Linguistics

Linguistics introduces educators to the study of nature, structure, and acquisition of language. This course examines the first and second language acquisition process. It addresses the cultural implications of language and classroom instruction, focusing on the integration of theory and practice. The course explores the following areas of linguistics: semantics, pragmatics, syntax, phonetics, and grammar.

Topics and Objectives

The Nature of Human Language

• Identify the role of linguistic knowledge in language.
• Analyze different types of grammars (e.g., descriptive, prescriptive, teaching grammars).
• Examine language universals.
• Identify the language acquisition process for the Deaf.

Brain-based Research

• Describe brain modality and its affects on language.
• Examine the critical period of language development.
• Explore brain-based strategies for enhancing student learning.

Language Acquisition

• Identify the developmental stages of language acquisition from birth to five years.
• Analyze early theories of language acquisition.
• Compare and contrast first and second language acquisition.
• Examine the relationship between cognition and bilingual proficiency.

Grammatical Aspects of Language

• Identify language and communication needs of second language learners.
• Describe morphology as it applies to language instruction.
• Analyze rules of syntax and the implications for second language learners.
• Define the semantics and pragmatics of language and its application to the classroom.
• Examine the various sound patterns of language.

Language in Society

• Describe dialects and their relationship to daily language use.
• Examine how language changes over time.

Language for Academic Success

• Describe strategies that assist students in achieving competency in academic content areas.
• Examine the relationship between spoken and written language