SLAVONIC LINGUISTICS

This course is part of the program for the Linguistic- Philological - Language teaching curriculum. The main objective of the course is to provide metalinguistic knowledge of the grammar of the modern Slavic languages through the analysis of certain aspects of these languages from a comparative perspective also with respect to Italian.

. Knowledge and Understanding
Understand the relevant interlinguistic variation among the grammatical systems of the various Slavic languages.

Know the key properties that characterize the three branches of the Slavic language family (Eastern, Western, Southern), based on the diachronic criteria of their formation as genetically related but independently developed languages.

Understand recent theoretical analyses concerning the internal structure of nominal expressions and the different types of clausal constructions in Slavic languages from both an informational and morphosyntactic perspective.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding
Develop the ability to apply principles of linguistic theory (including from a comparative perspective) to the study of Slavic languages.

Become familiar with analytical tools and apply them effectively, reflecting on the structure of Slavic languages and mastering the specialized terminology of the field.

3. Making Judgments
Be able to formulate and support hypotheses and produce examples to support or refute them.

4. Communication Skills
Be able to clearly express the linguistic topics covered during the course in written form, using appropriate and discipline-specific terminology.

5. Learning Skills
Be capable of developing critical thinking and reasoning.
Be able to identify and access appropriate bibliographic resources for the study of specific linguistic phenomena.

There are no prerequisites for this course but it is highly advisable that students have taken at least one exam in General linguistics.

This course aims to deepen students’ understanding of Slavic languages through the analysis of their syntactic, semantic, and morphological structures, based on the principles of generative grammar. Delivered in a blended format (in-person and online), the course combines theoretical and practical approaches to explore specific grammatical phenomena in Slavic languages, with the goal of developing both theoretical insight and applied skills in linguistic and educational contexts.

Course Content
The course begins with an introductory lesson focused on understanding the deep structure of Slavic languages, providing the conceptual foundations of generative grammar. The theoretical framework is supported by audiovisual materials, including a short video featuring Noam Chomsky, to familiarize students with the basics of the generative model.

The second module explores the unique grammatical features of Slavic languages, with particular attention to verbal and nominal inflection, case marking, word order, and the syntax of complex sentences. A flipped classroom approach allows students to engage with preparatory materials before discussing them in class.

A substantial portion of the course is dedicated to the analysis of syntactic structures, including both simple and complex sentences. Detailed examination will include constructions such as incorporation and relativization, with problem-solving activities and analysis of authentic linguistic data. This module will be conducted online and will include podcasts and selected scholarly readings.

The next unit focuses on the relationship between syntax and semantics, aiming to understand how syntactic structures influence the interpretation of sentence and propositional meaning. This segment will be delivered in person, using multimedia presentations.

Following this, the course delves into the morphology of Slavic languages, addressing not only structural regularities but also exceptions and recent theoretical developments. This module takes place online and includes discussion via a dedicated forum.

A central part of the course examines dialectal and synchronic variation within Slavic languages. Using digital mapping tools and corpus linguistics methods, students will explore how linguistic variants emerge and spread, and how generative grammar can help interpret such variation.

The course then introduces interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and neurolinguistics to provide a multifaceted view of observed phenomena.

Special attention is given to the pedagogical implications of generative grammar for teaching Slavic languages. Students will reflect on innovative teaching methods, alternating between theoretical discussion and hands-on practice, with activities conducted both in person and online.

In the final part of the course, students will focus on the professional applications of acquired skills, engaging in simulations relevant to translation, foreign language teaching, interpreting, and academic research. Learning will be reinforced through interactive quizzes.

The course concludes with a summary session, where achievements are reviewed and critical reflection is encouraged on the relevance of generative grammar in the study and teaching of Slavic languages.

Garzaniti, M. Gli Slavi. Storia, culture e lingue dalle origine ai nostri giorni. Carocci editore, 2013.
Comrie B.,G. Stone, D. Short & G. Corbett "Slavonic Languages" in B. Comrie (ed.) The Major Languages of Eastern Europe. Routledge, London 1990, pp. 56-143
Dvornik F. The Slavs: Their early history and civilization. American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Boston 1956
Fici Giusti F. Le lingue slave moderne, Unipress, Padova 2001
Franks S. Parameters of Slavic morphosyntax, Oxford University Press, New York 1995.
Siewierska, A. & L. Uhlirova. "An Overview of Word Order in Slavic Languages." In A. Siewierska (ed.) Constituent Order in the Languages of Europe. Mouton de Gruyter, Berlin / New York, Eurotyp 20.1, 1998, pp. 105-149.
Sussex Roland and Paul Cubberley. The Slavic Languages. Cambridge Language Surveys. Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press 2006

Letture di approfondimento
Benacchio R., L. Renzi. CLITICI SLAVI E ROMANZI. CLESP, Padova 1987.
Franks S., T.H. King. A HANDBOOK OF SLAVIC CLITICS. Oxford University Press, New York 2000.

Assessment of Learning

Student performance will be assessed through two components:

A short research project, to be developed as a term paper. This project will allow students to explore a specific topic related to Slavic linguistics in greater depth, applying the theoretical frameworks and analytical tools introduced during the course.

A final written examination, lasting two hours. Students will be required to answer two essay questions selected from a list of topics covered throughout the course. One question will be chosen by the student, allowing them to demonstrate expertise in an area of particular interest. The second question will be assigned by the instructor, in order to evaluate the student’s broader understanding of key concepts and phenomena in Slavic linguistics.

written

Evaluation of activities
A short essay on comparative analysis (20%)
Interactive assignments on moodle (20%)
Final presentation (20%)
Final exam (40%)

The course will be delivered in a blended modality, in which part of the traditional face-to-face instruction will be replaced by web-based online learning activities. The online component will include short video lectures and digital presentations. A dedicated forum will be created to facilitate questions and discussion, and students will be provided with a range of self-study materials, including slides, PDF documents, links to external resources, and a selected bibliography.
Students will also be required to complete assigned readings in preparation for both in-person and online sessions, in order to engage critically with the course content and participate actively in discussions.
The schedule of both online and in-person sessions will be discussed and agreed upon with students during the first class meeting.

Course attendance is required during lectures. Non-attendees are kindly asked to contact the professor for the individual work plan.