122010 VO STEOP: Introduction to the Study of Language 1 (2022W)

This lecture course forms the first part of a one-year introductory program that aims at providing first-year students of English with an overview of the major areas of linguistic knowledge. In the first semester, we investigate the meanings of words and sentences (semantics). We then consider how language varies in relation to different social and geographical factors and how this variation may be described (sociolinguistics). We examine how language functions in communication and how humans use language to create meaning in interaction (pragmatics, discourse analysis). Finally, we analyze the ways in which children learn their first language (first language acquisition) and in which people learn further languages at a later stage (second language acquisition).

This means that the course familiarizes students with the basic principles of semantics, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, discourse analysis, first and second language acquisition. Students will also be able to apply their knowledge to English texts.

Please note that the following classes accompany the lecture course:

Tutorium (2 parallel groups) - check u:find for current dates and times

These courses are an additional offer to help you pass the exam, attendance is not mandatory.