LING1001 Introduction to Linguistics (2009)

Course coordinator: Dr. U. Ansaldo

Course Description
This course is a prerequisite for all courses taught in the department in the second and third years of
study, and a requirement for all students intending to major in linguistics. The aim of the course is to
introduce students to the ways in which linguists investigate the structure and function of human
language. The focus is on the core areas of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax,
semantics, and writing systems. Students will learn about the structure of language at different levels of
organization: sounds, syllables, words, phrases, and sentences. The course gives plenty of practice in
solving problems, analysing languages, including Chinese and English, and dealing with linguistic
data.

Course textbook
Yule, G. The Study of Language. Third Edition. Cambridge University Press. 2006.

Useful Reference Book

Fromkin V., Rodman, R & Hyams, N. An Introduction to Language, Eighth Edition. Thomson
Wadsworth, 2007.

Teaching Mode
Lectures and tutorials

Lecture Schedule
Lectures every Tuesday (10:40am) in Meng Wah T1 and Friday (9:30am) in LE1

Dates Topics
Sept 1 U.Ansaldo/J.Guest Course Introduction
1 Sept 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22 A. Bodomo Morphology & Syntax
Sept 25 J. Guest Linguistics Assignment Writing
2 Sept 29, Oct 2, 6 U. Ansaldo Semantics
3 Oct 9, 20, 23, 27 J. Guest Writing Systems
4 Oct 30, Nov 3, 6, 10 P. Ding Phonetics
5 Nov 13, 17, 20, 24 P. Ding Phonology
Nov 27 J. Guest Course Summary

Tutorials
5 tutorials (plus optional additional after end of semester) . During the tutorials, tutors will answer
questions and discuss with students points of interest in connection with the textbook and the lectures.
Details about dates and times will be announced separately.

Assessment
50% coursework, 50% 2-hour examination (held approximately 10-14 days after the final lecture)
 Ground Rules
With such a large class for this course, we would appreciate your cooperation in helping
the class and tutorials go smoothly. You can help contribute to the learning atmosphere
of the course and gain more from the course in doing so. Therefore, we must set up
some ground rules that need to be followed:

It’s as easy as A B C!
¾ A is for Attendance – please attend all lectures and tutorials to get the most out of the
course
¾ B is for Be Punctual – to avoid unnecessary class disruption, try your best to arrive to
the lecture and tutorials on time (this may affect your overall mark)
¾ C is for Can’t Copy – it is pointless to copy other people’s work and submit it as your
own. It’s also dishonest and can have serious consequences. Please do all your
assignments on your own – this is the only way you can improve your understanding
of the subject and your own writing and analysing skills. If you need help, ask for
your tutor’s advice and support.

In Lectures
- be quiet: be considerate and don’t disturb your fellow classmate from listening to the
lecture
- make notes: not all the information is given in your handouts

In Tutorials
- be active and participate in discussions and activities
- arrive on time at the tutorial
- if you are sick, please contact your tutor about your situation as soon as possible

Outside the Class

- make sure you do the required reading
- discuss the subject and problems with your fellow classmates
- check the website regularly – it will be updated after every lecture

Doing Assignments
- read the question carefully and plan out how you will answer the question
- read other material related to the question – it may help you in your understanding
- use the library and the Internet to find useful sources of information

But most of all, enjoy the course, learn something new about language and its
characteristics, and help us to keep everything flowing smoothly!