Universität Wien
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160176 VO Theory of Grammar and Structure of a Non-Indo-European Language: (2026S)

Introduction to Japanese Linguistics

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 16 - Musikwissenschaft und Sprachwissenschaft
Moodle
Mo 31.08. 10:00-12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 01.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 02.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 03.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Friday 04.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Monday 07.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Tuesday 08.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Wednesday 09.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Thursday 10.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG
  • Friday 11.09. 10:00 - 12:00 Hörsaal 1 Sensengasse 3a 1.OG

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course offers an introduction to the study of the Japanese language through the lens of linguistics. It is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese who are interested in how linguists analyze and understand the structure of the Japanese language. Throughout the course, students will examine topics in key areas such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and language change. By the end of the course, students will not only be familiar with these key concepts but will also develop the ability to apply them to analyze various linguistic features of Japanese.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment will be based on an in-class written exam covering the topics discussed in the course.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

This course is primarily intended for linguistics students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Students of Japanese studies who are interested in linguistic analysis are also welcome.

To successfully complete the course, students must achieve at least 60% of the total possible points in the written final examination.
Grading scale:
1 (excellent): 100–90 points
2 (good): 89–81 points
3 (satisfactory): 80–71 points
4 (sufficient): 70–60 points
5 (fail): 59–0 points

Examination topics

Exam questions will require students to demonstrate their understanding of the lectures and readings, as well as their ability to analyze linguistic data. The exam may include short-answer questions, data-analysis problems, multiple-choice questions, and definitions of key terms in Japanese linguistics.

Reading list

Shibatani, Masayoshi (1990) The Languages of Japan. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Tsujimura, Natsuko (2014) An Introduction to Japanese Linguistics. 3rd ed. Malden: Wiley-Blackwell.

Association in the course directory

MA1-APM4B-4
MA4-WM1.2-2
MA4-WM1.4-2
MA4-WM1.6-2

Last modified: Mo 27.07.2026 09:27