Universität Wien

122255 AR Linguistics Course (Advanced 1-5) - Hist. & Descr. (2012S)

Rise of the mutants - An introduction to evolutionary linguistics

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Prüfungsimmanente Lehrveranstaltung
Moodle

An/Abmeldung

Hinweis: Ihr Anmeldezeitpunkt innerhalb der Frist hat keine Auswirkungen auf die Platzvergabe (kein "first come, first served").

Details

max. 24 Teilnehmer*innen
Sprache: Englisch

Lehrende

Termine (iCal) - nächster Termin ist mit N markiert

  • Dienstag 13.03. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 20.03. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 27.03. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 17.04. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 24.04. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 08.05. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 15.05. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 22.05. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 05.06. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 12.06. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 19.06. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Dienstag 26.06. 18:00 - 20:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17

Information

Ziele, Inhalte und Methode der Lehrveranstaltung

In this course we explore to what extent human language(s) can be understood in terms of Darwinian evolutionary theory. We do this on two levels. On the one hand, we discuss the origin of language by looking at recent attempts to explain the biological emergence of the general human language faculty. On the other hand we look at theories which view specific languages as systems of 'mental viruses' that 'infect' human organisms during language acquisition and exploit the communicative needs of their hosts for the selfish purposes of their own reproduction. We familiarize ourselves wth basic concepts and modelling tools (such as game thory), and discuss (a) how seriously the proposals made in evolutionary linguistics deserve to be taken, (b) what methods evolutionary investigations of language call for, and (c) how evolutionary views of languages compare to the established way of regarding them as tools that are shaped and controlled by their human users. The course will provide a survey of evolutionary approaches to language change on different levels of grammar, in particular focussing on the diachronic development of English phonology, morphology, and syntax.

Art der Leistungskontrolle und erlaubte Hilfsmittel

Classroom participation, a midterm test on basic concepts and methods in evolutionary linguistics, written home assignments, and a final exam.

Mindestanforderungen und Beurteilungsmaßstab

Our main goal is to understand the principles of evolutionary theory and the ways in which they can be used to explain human languages and their properties. At the same time, this exercise is intended to make us aware how problematic and questionable some of the established views of language as speaker controlled communication systems really are.

Prüfungsstoff

Classroom instruction on evolutionary theory and methods in evolutionary linguistics, reading of set texts on the origin of language and the historical evolution of languages, joint attempts to frame linguistic problems in evolutionary terms.

Literatur

To be announced

Zuordnung im Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Studium: Diplom 343, ME 812;
Code/Modul: Diplom 226/228, 236/238, 721-723, ME3, ME4;
Lehrinhalt: 12-0121

Anrechenbarkeit innerhalb der Curricula Fennistik, Hungarologie,
Finno-Ugristik: BFe 562, BHu 562, MFi 500, MFi 600

Letzte Änderung: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33