Usage-based Language Description

Objective

This module builds on competences acquired in "Methods of Linguistics" (Module 1) by specifically deepening knowledge about language description. In this foundational module, students gain competence in the analysis and description of linguistic phenomena on the basis of empirically obtained data. The overall learning objective is to enable students to conduct independent linguistic analysis and thus prepare them for the learning objectives in their specializations and electives.

Course content

This module focuses on aspects of interpretation and description of collected linguistic data. Collecting data, archiving data, and accessing existing data corpora are at the forefront of this module along with analyzing and interpreting authentic language data (spoken as well as written). The aim is to focus on the systematic description of linguistic processes on different levels. These language descriptions include approaches in phonology and prosody research; empirical work in morphology, syntax and semantics; pragmatic approaches such as discourse, text, and conversation analysis; as well as media and sociolinguistics. In the lecture, approaches to usage-based language description will be presented and discussed. In the seminar and practical, descriptive approaches will be tested on selected linguistic phenomena.

Learning Outcomes

Students will gain familiarity with methods of describing language (at different levels) in its everyday use, i.e. in its sequential-textual and sociocultural environment. They will have the following competences: Appreciation of the possibilities and challenges of interpreting linguistic material; the ability to develop and appraise their own models of analysis and interpretation in self-selected research; knowledge of the connection between empirical observation of language and theoretical concepts; and the ability to present written and oral descriptions of language and interpretations. Furthermore, they will be able to critically reflect on current approaches to language description.

They will also be proficient in common presentation techniques, have problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively on a team (including joint data sessions).