Diachrony and Reconstruction (Master S2 Class)

Basic information

Description

This course provides a general introduction to historical and comparative linguistics, the branch of linguistics concerned with the evolution of languages. It explores linguistic systems, their similarities, and their diversity as the results of their evolutionary histories, aiming to understand how and why languages change and diversify over time. Both the general principles of linguistic change and the methods used to study linguistic change and reconstruct earlier languages will be illustrated with data from various ancient and modern languages, but no prior knowledge of these specific languages is required.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of phonetics and phonology, morphology, and syntax.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the core principles of diachronic change.
  • Identify and describe the main types of linguistic change.
  • Reconstruct earlier linguistic forms and systems in the absence of written records.
  • Critically evaluate claims of relatedness between languages.