GENERAL LINGUISTICS

Academic year
2025/2026 Syllabus of previous years
Official course title
LINGUISTICA GENERALE
Course code
LT0245 (AF:564752 AR:326446)
Teaching language
Italian
Modality
On campus classes
ECTS credits
6
Degree level
Bachelor's Degree Programme
Academic Discipline
L-LIN/01
Period
2nd Semester
Course year
1
Where
VENEZIA
The course will provide learners with overviews and insights on general linguistics and linguistic typology, with special reference to Turkic, Iranian, Semitic and Mongolic languages. Various aspects of Language Politics will also be discussed.
Learners will acquire notions of general and typological linguistics as well as language politics. They will be able to apply this knowledge to the languages they have studied.
Nothing
After an introduction to phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax, the course will focus on selected aspects of Turkic, Iranian and Semitic languages. Various issues regarding language policy will also be discussed.
Comrie, B. (ed.) 1981. The Languages of the Soviet Union. Cambridge.
Comrie, B. 1989. Language universals and linguistic typology. Chicago.
Dixon, R.M.W. 1997. The rise and fall of languages. Cambridge.
Dixon, R.M.W.2016. Are some languages better than others? Oxford.
Comrie, B. (ed.) 2009. The World’s Major Languages. New York.
Fishman, J. A. & García, O. (eds.) 2010. Handbook of language and ethnic identity. Disciplinary and regional perspectives. Vol I. Oxford.
Hetzron, R. (ed.) 1997. The Semitic languages. London & New York.
Johanson, L. & Csató, É. Á. (eds.) 2022. The Turkic languages. London & New York.
Johanson, L. 2002. Structural factors in Turkic language contacts. Richmond: Curzon.
Ladefoged, P. & Maddieson, I. 1996. The sounds of the world’s languages. Oxford & Malden.
Landau, J. M. & Kellner-Heinkele, B. 2001. Politics of language in the ex-Soviet Muslim States: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Ann Arbor.
Moravcsik E. A. 2013. Introducing language typology. Cambridge.
Spolsky, B. (ed.) 2012. The Cambridge Handbook of language policy. Cambridge.
Windfuhr, G. (ed.) 2009. The Iranian languages. London & New York.
Examination of expected learning outcomes is done through a written exam.
written
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 lesson; seminars.
Linguistic materials and further readings will be provided by the lecturer during the course.

Distance learning students are kindly asked to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the II academic term to agree on an alternative program.
This programme is provisional and there could still be changes in its contents.
Last update of the programme: 23/07/2025