Module Title:     LAN 101 Introduction to the study of English   Language

Credit Value:      12

Module Tutor:  Dr U. C Sharma

General Objective

This module aims at introducing to students the basics of English language:  definitions of language, theories of the origin of language, the origin of English, historical changes, properties of language, animal and human language. It will also focus on issues such as dialect and register; descriptive versus prescriptive, macro and micro and theoretical and applied linguistics.Finally, different branches of linguistics such as Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology, Semantics, Syntax Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis together with applied linguistics will be the key areas of the module.

Learning Outcomes:

·         After the successful completion of the module, a student will be able to:

·         define and differentiate between morphemes and allomorphs, phonemes and allophone; word-building process and different components of sentences,

·         demonstrate the function of language in written discourse,

·         enhance their language skills,

·         develop competence of  conversational gambit,

·         comment upon different genres of literature,

·         grasp meaning of a word, concept using  the knowledge of etymology,

·         linguistically analyze and interpret a discourse.

Subject Matter:        

1. Introduction : Definitions of language
2. Theories of the origin of language
3. Key properties of language
4. Difference between human and animal language
5. The origin of English
6. Periods in the history of English:  Old English
7. Middle English
8. Modern English
9. Semantic change:  Extension, Narrowing
10. Varieties of English:  Occupational, Regional and Pidgins and Creoles
11. Grammar: Descriptive and Prescriptive
12. Macro and Micro Linguistics
13. Theoretical and Applied Linguistics
14. Branches of Linguistics:   

a)      Phonetics and Phonology: Phonemes and Allophones; Complementary and Contrastive Distribution; Minimal pairs and sets. 

b)      Morphology: Morph, Morpheme ; Allomorphs and affixation

c)      Syntax: Form and function; Phrase; Clause; sentence; Structural and Generative Grammar

d)     Semantics: Layers of meaning; Ambiguities

e)      Pragmatics: Basic aspects

f)       Discourse Analysis

g)       Applied Linguistics

Teaching and Learning Approach

Lecture:           3hrs/wk

Tutorials:         1hr/wk (including discussions& presentations)

Assessment

1^st Assignment:           (800 - 1000 words)                 10%

2^nd Assignment:           (1500 - 2000 words)               20%

Oral Presentation:                                                       20%

Examination:                                                               50%

Total:                                                                           100 marks

Essential Reading:

Balasubramanian, T. (2008). A textbook of English phonetics for Indian students. Hyderabad:Macmillian

Chomsky,N. (1957). Syntactic structures. The Hague:Mouton

Leech, Geoffery. ( Ed.) 1982. English grammar for today, London: Macmillan

Quirk, Randolf. ( Ed )1985. A comprehensive grammar of English. London: Longman

Quirk, Randolf. (1973). A university grammar of English, London: Longman

Stang, B. (1982). Modern English structure. London: Arnold Edward

Suggested Reading:

Abercrombie, D. (1965). Studies in phonetics and linguistics. OUP.

Balasubramanian, T. (2005). English phonetics for Indian students: A workbook.Hyderabad:  Macmillan.

Bansal, R. K. & Harrison, J, B.(1972).   Spoken English: A manual of speech &phonetics. Chennai:Orient

Gimson, A.C. (1975). A practical course of English pronunciation. London:Edward Arnold

Jones, D. (1991). English pronunciation dictionary. Cambridge University Press.

Leech, G. (1973). a communicative grammar of English. Mumbai:Longman

Quirk, R.& Greenbaum, S. (1973). A university grammar of English. Mumbai:Longman

Akmajian,A.(2004). Linguistics: An introduction to language and communication. New Delhi: Prentice Hall

Module Prepared by: Dr. U.C. Sharma & Mr. Shyam Hazari