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 primary aim of the course is to provide students with at least a basic foundation in historical linguistics, including its fundamental principles, methods, and history, in order to: (1.1) analyze and understand the key mechanisms governing the diachronic evolution of languages; (1.2) analyze and understand the evolution of the Indo-European language family.
A second, more advanced aim is to enable students to: (2.1) apply the concepts and methodologies learned to reasoning about empirical data relating to different language change types, and (2.2) analyze them.

The 6 credits to be earned are allocated as follows for attending students:
1.5 credits of direct and interactive teaching;
4.5 credits of independent study.

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). Interactive teaching is also included during the course. Students will be required: (i) to participate in discussions about linguistic data; (ii) 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.

Students with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The final exam is oral and takes approximately 30 minutes. The assessment aims to verify the knowledge specified in the learning objectives and expected learning outcomes through an exam structured into four 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 from ancient or modern languages.

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%.

Regarding grade assignment, the criteria applied are as follows:

A. Marks in the 18–22 range will be awarded for:
• sufficient knowledge and understanding of theoretical principles, methodologies, and content of historical linguistics, including its interaction with typology;
• limited autonomy in making critical judgments on diachronic linguistic data;
• sufficient communication skills, particularly regarding the use of specific scientific terminology.
B. Marks in the 23–26 range will be awarded for:
• satisfactory knowledge and understanding of theoretical principles, methodologies, and content of historical linguistics, including its interaction with typology;
• satisfactory autonomy in making critical judgments on diachronic linguistic data;
• satisfactory communication skills, particularly regarding the use of specific scientific terminology;
C. Marks in the 27–30 range will be awarded for:
• good or excellent knowledge and understanding of theoretical principles, methodologies, and content of historical linguistics, including its interaction with typology;
• good or excellent autonomy in making critical judgments on diachronic linguistic data;
• excellent communication skills, fully appropriate and consistent with specific scientific terminology.
D. Honours (cum laude) will be awarded based on an assessment of accuracy, depth, and the ability to elaborate on the responses.

The course provides an introduction to historical linguistics, with a particular focus on the comparative method and linguistic reconstruction. Linguistic data are drawn primarily, but not exclusively, from the Indo-European domain. The main topics covered include: genealogical classification and language families; phonetic-phonological change; morphological change; semantic change; syntactic change; theories of language change, and, in particular, the relationship between diachronic study and typological linguistics.

• 1. Introduction: Historical Linguistics and the notion of language change.
• 2. Genealogical classification: comparative method.
• 3. The Indo-European family.
• 4. Phonetic and phonological change.
• 5. Reconstruction of Indo-European: phonetic laws.
• 6. Morphological and syntactic change: analogy and grammaticalization.
• 7. Semantic change: causes and mechanisms.
• 8. Interlinguistics: language contact as a source of change.
• 9. Typological classification: linguistic types and universals.
10. The contribution of linguistic typology to diachrony. Conclusions.
• 11. Theoretical aspects of language change. 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: (i) the fundamental theoretical principles and core methods of historical linguistics; (ii) the key milestones in the history of the discipline; (iii) the basic notions related to linguistic typology and their application; (iv) the general characteristics of at least the main types of language change.

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

Autonomy of judgment:
To demonstrate an initial level of autonomy in making critical judgments on diachronic linguistic data.

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

Learning ability:
To combine the study of abstract and theoretical notions with 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 demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and notions listed above.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
To demonstrate (i) to be able to reconstruct an Indo-European root autonomously, by applying the comparative method and phonetic laws; (ii) 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 demonstrate full autonomy in making critical judgments on diachronic linguistic data and different forms of language change, including their specific mechanisms and (multiple) effects.

Communicative skills:
To communicate exclusively using specific scientific terminology, in a fully coherent and appropriate manner.

Learning ability:
To combine the theoretical learning of concepts and methodologies with the direct observation of data drawn from ancient and modern languages across all domains of historical linguistics, demonstrating a high level of applied competence.