URAL-ALTAIC PHILOLOGY

The course Ural-Altaic philology belongs to the BA program “Language, Culture and Society of Asia and Mediterranean Africa” (Near and Middle East) and intend to provide students with linguistic and philological knowledge of Uralic and Altaic languages.

Objectives of the courses are: 1) to acquire knowledge of a) linguistic typology of the Uralic and Altaic (Turkic, Mongolic and Tungusic) languages 2) Areal phenomena in Eurasia and 3) Writing systems for Uralic and Altaic languages.

Students will acquire knowledge of the fundamental elements of Uralic and Altaic linguistics and philology.

Knowledge of an Altaic or Uralic language

During the lessons, the following topics will be discussed:

-Classification and periodization of the Turkic, Mongolic, Tungusic and Uralic languages
-Genetic vs. typological relationship
-Writing systems in the Altaic and Uralic world

Besides the materials provided by the professor, the following books will be used (selected chapters):

Abondolo, D. (ed.) 1998. The Uralic languages. London & New York.
Janhunen, J. (ed.) 2003. The Mongolic languages. London & New York.
Janhunen, J. 2005. Tungusic. An endangered language family in Northeast Asia. International Journal of the Sociology of Language 173, 37–54.
Johanson, L. & Csató, É. Á. (eds.) The Turkic languages. London & New York.
Rachewiltz, de I. & Rybatzki, V. 2010. Introduction to Altaic philology (Handbook of Oriental Studies, Section 8, Central Asia, vol 20). Leiden & Boston.
Sinor, D. (ed.) 1988. The Uralic languages: description, history and foreign influences (Handbuch der Orientalistik 8/1). Leiden et al.

The examination is oral and will focus on the topics covered in the course with particular reference to Turkic and Mongolian philology.

oral

Grades range from 18 to 30 with honours

17 FAIL

18-20 PASS

Limited comprehension of notions, limited skill of exposition and reflection, no critical capacity

21-23 SATISFACTORY

Sufficient comprehension of notions presented in an unclear and reflexive manner; difficulties in elaborating, and synthesizing ideas

24-26 GOOD

Good comprehension of notions but limited capacity of exposition, reflection, and synthesis

27-28 VERY GOOD

In-depth comprehension of notions that are presented in a clear and articulated manner; remarkable synthesizing capacity and critical reflection

29-30 VERY GOOD

Broad and in-depth comprehension of notions that are presented in an articulated and sophisticated manner. Excellent ability in exposing ideas synthetically, and critical ability

30 CUM LAUDE EXCELLENT

Broad and in-depth comprehension of notions showing an advanced knowledge of broader disciplinary and interdisciplinary debates, a mastery of academic language, and a capacity for original and critical thinking

Frontal classes complemented by regular reading and translation sessions involving students’ active participation.

Students are strongly advised to attend classes regularly.