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Regular version of the site
Master 2019/2020

Models of Explanation in Sociology and Linguistic Anthropology

Category 'Best Course for New Knowledge and Skills'
Area of studies: Fundamental and Applied Linguistics
Delivered by: School of Linguistics
When: 2 year, 2, 3 module
Mode of studies: offline
Instructors: Andrian Vlakhov, Alexandra Vydrina
Master’s programme: Linguistic Theory and Language Description
Language: English
ECTS credits: 3
Contact hours: 32

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course covers variation of linguistic structures in cross-cultural perspective. The course considers language as a cultural resource and behavior. It provides a general overview of the empirical and methodological studies of linguistic categorization (e.g. the study of color terms, kinship terms, cardinal and relative directions, noun categorization); social functions of proper names and ethnography of naming; linguistic taboos; genderlects; ethnography of speaking; functions and structural properties of ritual languages; properties of traditional texts and story-telling; popular etymology and rites based on it, use of language as magical means; function of language as basis of mythological beliefs and plots. The course surveys linguistic methods in anthropology: linguofolkloristics, ethnolinguistics etc. It introduces the students to the main methods of molecular anthropology in reconstructing the global history of human kind and local histories of language contact and shift. Some of the above aspects of the study of language are highly relevant for field research, on the theoretical level, to understand and document worldwide variation of linguistic functions and often, and on the practical level, to conduct linguistic research and carry out analysis of naturalistic discourse. It is not coincidental that the main provider of shareware software for field linguists, Summer Institute of Linguistics (www.sil.org) has recently included, in its range of products, a special utility to document kin systems and lineages.
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • to introduce the students to the parameters of variation of linguistic categorization
  • to introduce the students to cross-cultural variation in speech practices and to the role of the language in traditional culture
  • to introduce the students to the methods of study of this variation, including in field conditions
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • understands the ways in which human language reflects and affects cultural practices
  • understands principles and approaches the cross-linguistic investigation of the culturally relevant aspects of language and linguistically relevant aspects of culture
  • masters the theoretical fundaments and practical methodological skills related to this domain
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Linguistic categorization
    Relativism vs. universalism.
  • Practices of naming
    Typology and cultural significance.
  • Indexicality
    The creative function of linguistic forms and its social and cultural implications.
  • Language and symbolic domination
    Habitus theory.
  • Textual genres
    Language as a set of practices.
  • Language contact and multilingualism
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking participation 1
  • non-blocking participation 2
  • non-blocking written assignment 1
  • non-blocking written assignment 2
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • Interim assessment (3 module)
    0.2 * participation 1 + 0.2 * participation 2 + 0.3 * written assignment 1 + 0.3 * written assignment 2
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • The Cambridge Handbook of Linguistic Anthropology. (2014). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.repository.ubn.ru.nl.2066.132105

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • Ahearn, L. M. (2017). Living Language : An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1367895