Approaches to Language (Level 4)

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 4
• Convenor: Professor Lisa McEntee-Atalianis
• Assessment: a take-home examination (50%) and 1500-word written assignment (50%)

In this module we introduce you to the key areas essential for understanding the nature and functions of language. You will learn about fundamental concepts and tools for understanding and describing language structure, language use and the functions of language in society. We will also discuss key debates in linguistics and applied linguistics, and current issues of language relevant to both the individual and society.

Indicative syllabus

• The origin of language
• The sound system
• The lexical system
• The grammatical system
• Child language acquisition: theoretical accounts and development of sound, lexical and grammatical systems
• Adult language: planning and production (introduction to psycholinguistics)
• Language and the brain (introduction to neurolinguistics)
• Language in society (introduction to sociolinguistics)