Ateneo - UPO

Introduction to Historical Linguistics.

(1) Elisabetta Magni, Linguistica Storica, Patron Editore, Bologna, 2014; (2) Franco Fanciullo, Introduzione alla linguistica storica, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2007 (only chapters 1, 6, 7); (3) Maria Napoli, (2019), Linguistica diacronica. La prospettiva tipologica. Collana Studi Superiori. Carocci, Roma (only chapter 1). (4) slides on DIR.

The first aim of this course is to introduce the study of Historical Linguistics, and to develop students’ knowledge of its main theoretical notions, methodologies and history, enabling them to analyze and understand the most important mechanisms which govern the development of languages. A further, more advanced, aim is to lead students to apply the notions and methodologies learned to a careful thought about data concerning different types of language change.

Basic knowledge of general linguistics is useful: however, attendance at the lectures of “Foundations of Linguistics" or "General Linguistics A" is not an obligatory prerequisite.

Lectures and “Web didactic” (DIR). Students will be required to participate in discussions about linguistic data and to solve exercises concerning the application of the comparative method, the reconstruction of Indo-European forms, and the analysis of different types of language change.

None.

The final exam is oral and takes approximately 30 minutes. Candidates will be expected to answer some questions, using appropriate scientific terminology. The exam is structured as follows, namely it is made up of 4 sections: Sec. 1) = questions on the basic principles of Historical Linguistics, and on methodological aspects of the discipline (e.g., origin of the comparative method, genealogical classification, branches of the Indo-European family, etc.); Section 2) = at least 1 question on linguistic typology (e.g., interaction between diachronic linguistics and typological approach); Section 3) = an exercise based on the reconstruction of an Indo-European root, demonstrating ability of applying the comparative method; Section 4) = analysis of at least 1 specific type of linguistic change, to be illustrated also through relevant examples.

The exam will be passed successfully if the final grade is equal to or higher than 18/30. In order to achieve 18/30, candidates are required to show knowledge of basic notions and understanding of comparative method and reconstruction. The final evaluation will be based on the following criteria: use of appropriate scientific terminology = 10%; answers to questions from Section 1) = 20%; answers to questions from Section 2) = 10%; exercise solution, Section 3) = 30%; analysis of change, Section 4) = 30%. Exams may be passed with a full grade (30/30) “cum laude” only if demonstrating accuracy and insight in answering.

The main topics are:

• 1. Introduction: Historical Linguistics and the notion of language change.
• 2. Genealogical classification: comparative method.
• 3. The Indo-European family.
• 4. Typological classification: linguistic types and universals.
• 5. Phonetic and phonological change.
• 6. Reconstruction of Indo-European: phonetic laws.
• 7. Morphological change: analogy and grammaticalization.
• 8. Syntactic change and syntactic reconstruction.
• 9. Semantic change: causes and mechanisms.
• 10. Interlinguistics: language contact as a source of change.
• 11. Theoretical aspect.
• 12. The contribution of linguistic typology to diachrony. Conclusions.

In order to achieve a basic level of knowledge and skills students are required to show what follows:

Knowledge and understanding:
- to show knowledge and understanding of theoretical principles and methods for Historical Linguistics;
- to show knowledge of discipline’s history in broad terms;
- to show knowledge of basic notions related to Typological Linguistics and understand their diachronic application;
- to show knowledge and understanding of at least the main types of language change.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- to be able to reconstruct an Indo-European root by applying the comparative method
and phonetic laws throughout a guided exercise;
- to be able to describe different types of language change by identifying the basic mechanisms and effects.

Autonomy of judgment:
- make a judgment about diachronic data.

Communicative skills:
- to use appropriate scientific terminology, which should be learned through the suggested manuals.

Learning ability:
- to join the study of abstract and theoretical notions to the empirical observation and interpretations of diachronic data from ancient and modern languages, at least in some domains of the discipline.

In order to achieve an advanced level, students are required to show what follows:

Knowledge and understanding:
- to show extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and notions listed above (not at a basic level).

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
- to be able to reconstruct an Indo-European root autonomously, by applying the comparative method and phonetic laws;
- to be able to identify and describe different types of language change in depth, also by means of a correct and wide exemplification.

Autonomy of judgment:
- to achieve detailed assessment of diachronic linguistic data and to evaluate autonomously different forms of language change including their specific mechanisms and (multiple) effects.

Communicative skills:
- to make an exclusive and consistent use of appropriate scientific terminology.

Learning ability:
- to join the study of abstract and theoretical notions to the empirical observation and interpretations of diachronic data from ancient and modern languages, in all the domains of the discipline.