Linguistic Typology (Master S1 Class)

Basic information

• Credits: 3
• Format: 90 minute lectures + 60 minutes exercise sessions
• 2026-2027 instructors: Aimée Lahaussois
• 2026-2027 schedule: Wednesdays, 14:00-16:30, room 153
• Moodle page

Description

This course provides a general introduction to accounting for the diversity of languages in linguistic analysis. It consists of two types of sessions. In the CM sessions, we will explore how the languages of the world implement certain categories of linguistic analysis in their grammar, focusing on the following selected topics: – introduction in linguistic typology, universals, parts of speech-systems, case marking, syntactic alignment, argument indexes, relativization, nominalization and subordination and valency operations. In the practical sessions (TD), we will examine in detail how a language unknown to the students applies these same concepts. The course is primarily focused on morphosyntax. 

Prerequisites

None.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Apply the theoretical foundation as explained during the CM sessions in the assignments, the presentation, and the final project.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the methodology and tools for typological research, such as Ethnologue, the WALS database, and the Leipzig glosses.
• Be able to bring the perspective of linguistic diversity to research projects carried out for the MA.