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
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 24 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

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

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

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.

Assessment and permitted materials

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

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

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.

Examination topics

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.

Reading list

To be announced

Association in the course directory

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

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33