Linguistics

LING 23: Modern English: Function & Grammar
LING 25: Introduction to Descriptive & Historical Linguistics
LING 26: Language, Mind & Society


What is linguistics?

In brief, linguistics is the scientific study of language - what is it and how does it work?  You do not need to be fluent in languages other than English to study linguistics, though some knowledge of or interest in other languages is helpful.

Linguistics includes several sub-fields such as:

• Syntax (language structure)
• Semantics (language meaning)
• Phonetics and Phonology (the sounds of languages)

Linguistics also includes many interdisciplinary sub-fields such as:

• Sociolinguistics (language and society)
• Psycholinguistics/Neurolinguistics (language and the mind/brain)
• Language Acquisition (learning language)
• Historical Linguistics (the origins and development of language)

What will I learn in a linguistics course at Foothill?

The three core courses in the Linguistics Program are:

LING 23:  MODERN ENGLISH: FUNCTION & GRAMMAR
Introduction to basic linguistic concepts in describing the functions and grammar of present-day English.  Focus on grammatical features of standard American English, Black English, and other English varieties as they function in communication.  (Offered Winter quarters)

Course topics include:

• The Scope and Nature of Grammar
• History and Development of the English Language
• Varieties of Modern English
• An Outline of the English Grammar

LING 25 / LING 25H: INTRODUCTION TO DESCRIPTIVE & HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS
Introduction to basic linguistic concepts in the study of structure, pattern, meaning, and change in language.  Introduction to historical linguistic theory and methods. (Offered Fall quarters.)

Course topics include:

• Morphology
• Phonetics and Phonology
• Syntax
• Semantics
• Pragmatics
• Development of Writing Systems
• Language Families
• Language Change and Historical Development of English           

LING 26:  LANGUAGE, MIND & SOCIETY
Introduction to methods of linguistic analysis and basic concepts in psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics. (Offered Spring quarters.)

Course topics include:

• Function of the brain in language acquisition
• Function of the brain in language loss
• Dialects
• Language Register and Variation
• Role of language in society
• Education and language planning 

The Linguistics Program offers a Linguistics Major and a 12-unit Certificate of Specialization.


LINKS

• The Linguistic Society of America: http://www.lsadc.org
• The Linguist List: http://www.linguistlist.org
• “Why Major in Linguistics?” (pdf format)

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