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; max one hour 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.
Application
A motivation letter is required from non-EU residents. You can send it via email to k.schutter@uu.nl
Contact details
Kirsten Schutter | E: k.schutter@uu.nl | T: +31 (0)30 253 6060