English Language & Linguistics 1
Sounds of English 1
In this unit we lay the foundations of an understanding of the phonetic structure of (mainly) English.Topics covered include:
- The nature of sound
- How sounds are produced by the vocal organs
- Phonetic description and transcription of Standard South African English
- Phonology: the sound systems of language
- Learning the sound system of a second language
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageVarieties of English 1
In this module we look at language in society, and how people use language to mark identity, and how they adjust their use of language according to what they are doing. Areas of special interest include:- The characteristics of conversation
- What is Standard English?
- Men's versus women's language: fact or fiction?
- The language of subcultures: slang and jargon
- Naming practices across cultures
- Varieties of English in South Africa and the world
See RUconnected for Outcomes and further information.
Top of PageSemantics 1: Meaning in Language
Humans have devised intricate systems encoding meanings in the words they use. In this module we focus on:- The meaningful modules which form the basis of language
- The relationship between language and the world
- Relationships between the meanings of words
- The relationship between meaning, thought and language
- How the human mind might organise words and store meanings
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageDiscourse Analysis 1
In this module we examine ways in which language is used rather than what its components are. We also explore how language users interpret what other speakers intend to convey and successfully take part in the complex activity called conversation.Topics covered include:
- Communicative competence
- Speech acts & conversation analysis
- Information structure in written texts
- Discourse norms across cultures
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageSyntax 1
Many students know very little about the grammatical structure of English, and in this module we explain the systematic rules of language, using a generative model, supported by computer-aided teaching.Areas covered include:
- Generative grammar
- Simple phrase structure rules.
- Grammatical functions (e.g. subject, object, complement)
- Universal grammar
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageLanguage in Childhood and Education 1
As the heading indicates, this module focusses on problems involved in first and second language acquisition, by discussing:- Theories of language acquisition
- The unique ways adults talk to little children
- Developmental sequences in first language acquisition
- Learning to read
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageAn Introduction to Japanese Linguistics 1
This module presents a brief introductory look at the Japanese language and culture. The purpose is to introduce students to a language that differs considerably from English and African languages.The emphasis will be on:
- Selected aspects of the grammar and sound-system of Japanese
- Japanese culture and society
- Vocabulary for basic communication
Outcomes and further information
Top of PageTexts 1: Functions and Structure
This module allows students to apply the concepts and skills built up during the year in the analysis of a range of texts and their social functions.Specific topics include:
- Defining texts and how to analyse them
- Language, power and ideology
- Textual metafunctions
- Persuasive language (news writing and advertising)
- Oral and literate cultures
- The language of popular fiction and soap operas
Outcomes and further information
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