In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of generative linguistics, the theoretical framework evolved from and based on Noam Chomsky’s work. The formal tools of generative linguistics enable linguists to explore the complex and fascinating system underlying sentence structure and sentence meaning. The theory accounts for the creativity of human language and other characteristics that make it unlike the communication system of any other animal.
While language finds expression in culture, and is commonly associated with it, language is a biological property of the human species, not a cultural one. It is found in all humans, regardless of their culture, and all language systems are equally complex. We will look at syntax, the abstract properties of human language structure, and learn how to formalize the rules that govern it. As we will see, only a handful of syntactic principles are needed to generate an infinite number of possible sentences from a finite set of words available in a language. Topics covered will include the major concepts used to analyze linguistic phenomena in the generative tradition, such as phrase structure, movement, binding, and logical form.
This course is offered by the Institute for Language Sciences, the home of linguistic and communications research at Utrecht University.
This course is part of the preparations for entrance into the RMA Linguistics at Utrecht University.
Lecturers
Marta Massaia
Aim of the course
Provide students with an introduction to the Government and binding framework in generative linguistics as a basis for continuation into Minimalism.
Study load
Daily 2 1/2 hour session. Maximum of one hour of homework per day.
Costs
There is a discount of € 50 if this course is combined with at least one more Linguistics course whose title includes mention of ILS and for which the full amount is paid.
There are no scholarships available for this course.
Additional information
The housing costs include housing, plus a Utrecht Summer School sleeping bag, for you to keep. This sleeping bag also includes an inflatable pillow and matrass cover. If you wish to bring your own bedding, please contact us, so we can give you a € 50 discount on the housing fee. Please note that you cannot buy individual bedding items.
Application
A motivation letter is required from non-EU residents. You can send it to k.schutter@uu.nl via e-mail.
Contact details
Kirsten Schutter | E: k.schutter@uu.nl