Introduction to the Study of Language

This course gives an introduction to human language, its structure and how it can be described and analysed. The methodology of linguistics (the scientific study of language) is introduced, focusing on the formulation of generalisations that say what all human languages share. The aim of the unit is to give a conceptual framework for (1) thinking about and discussing language and language-related topics, and (2) aiding the acquisition and teaching of a second language. and (3) pursuing further study of linguistics.