Universität Wien

160017 VO Internal and comparative reconstruction (2011W)

Theory and method of linguistic reconstruction

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 16 - Musik-, Sprach- und Vergleichende Literaturwisse
Moodle

Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 12.10. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 19.10. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 09.11. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 16.11. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 23.11. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 30.11. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 07.12. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 14.12. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 11.01. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 18.01. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 25.01. 12:30 - 14:00 Seminarraum 2 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Since the beginnings of systematic research in linguistics, the genealogical model of language relationship has been the most successful explanatory device for the assessment of language diversity, and has been at the same time an indispensable methodological basis of linguistic reconstruction methodology. However, in recent theories of language change, emphasis is also put on diffusion as an important factor.
In this lecture, which builds on the principles outlined in the introductory course on Indo-European comparative linguistics, the theory and method of linguistic reconstruction will be portrayed in its historical development, from the nineteenth-century evolutionist approach up to recent critical assessments.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam at the end of the term.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The major goal of this lecture is to endow students with a critical understanding of one of the central issues in historical and comparative linguistics.

Examination topics

Oral presentation accompanied by spreadsheets and e-learning devices

Reading list

Zur vorbereitenden Lektüre werden folgende Werke empfohlen:
Anthony Fox, Linguistic reconstruction. An introduction to theory and method. Oxford etc., Oxford University Press, 1995.
Hans H. Hock / Brian D. Joseph, Language history, language change, and language relationship. An introduction to historical and comparative linguistics. Berlin / New York, Mouton de Gruyter, 2nd revised editon, 2009 (Part VI: Language relationship = chapters 16-18, pp. 425-509).
Empfehlungen zur begleitenden Lektüre werden während der Lehrveranstaltung in elektronischer Form erteilt.

Association in the course directory

Code Diplomstudium Indogermanistik: 803

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:35