HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS

LEARNING OUTCOMES

General linguistics is the study of language and languages. A specific objective of a linguistic theory is to define the language as a system: each semiotic system, verbal and non verbal. Beyond a more immanent perspective aimed at the study of specific systems, especially verbal ones, ‘our’ and ‘other’ historical languages, ancient and modern languages, general Linguistics courses affect various sectors of interdisciplinary research. Introduction to historical-comparative linguistics: Classification of languages: linguistic relations and affinities (with specific reference to Indo-European languages). Comparison and reconstruction: objectives, methods and limits / Profile of comparative Indo-European grammar: Glottological reading and comment of language texts. Methods of teaching.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course enables students:

to master the comparative-reconstructive method and to evaluate the history of classical languages as an evolution along thousand-year genetic axes of a proto-language called Indo-European, recognisable in its historical forms in a dozen linguistic branches and in a comparison among Latin, Greek, Sanskrit (Vedic) and Gothic.

PREREQUISITES

A good knoledge of Italian, Greek and Latin.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, distribution of materials at lectures and with Aulaweb, phonetical exercises, dictation in Ancient Greek.

Class will be held face-to-face. A streaming lesson will be made available.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu

Linguistics and glottology. Fundamentals of the discipline. Synchronic and diachronic study of languages, phonetics and phonology, morphology, variability of languages, classification of languages: genealogical affinities and relations among languages.

Programme for students taking the course for 9 cfu

Linguistics and glottology. Fundamentals of the discipline. Synchronic and diachronic study of languages, phonetics and phonology, morphology, variability of languages, classification of languages: genealogical affinities and relations among languages.

Reconstruction of Indo-European. The phonological system of Indo-European reconstructed. Elements of Indo-European morphology and syntax. Reading of texts with glottological comment.

Programme for students taking the course for 12 cfu

Linguistics and glottology. Fundamentals of the discipline. Synchronic and diachronic study of languages, phonetics and phonology, morphology, variability of languages, classification of languages: genealogical affinities and relations among languages.

Reconstruction of Indo-European. The phonological system of Indo-European reconstructed. Elements of Indo-European morphology and syntax. Reading of texts with glottological comment from more languages.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

See the Italian part.

Exam Board

ROSA RONZITTI (President)

GUIDO GIOVANNI BORGHI

RITA CAPRINI (Substitute)

MATTEO MACCIO' (Substitute)

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, distribution of materials at lectures and with Aulaweb, phonetical exercises, dictation in Ancient Greek.

Class will be held face-to-face. A streaming lesson will be made available.

LESSONS START

26th October 2020.

Class schedule

HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exame for modernists, oral exam for students of Classics.

Phonetical transcription.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment method consists of :

a written text for modernists;

2) an oral test that examines the entire programme undertaken at lectures for students of Classical languages.

For everyone: phonetical transcription.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who do not attend are urged to contact teaching staff at least a month before taking the exam.