2024 Faculty Courses Liberal arts and basic science courses Humanities and social science courses
Linguistics A
- Academic unit or major
- Humanities and social science courses
- Instructor(s)
- Hilofumi Yamamoto
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- LAH.T109
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 4Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This class aims to try to find the answers for solving the examples in everyday language use.
Learn about the beginning of the analysis method of language.
For Zoom, please refer to http://cuckoo.js.ila.titech.ac.jp/~yamagen/ling/lingA.html
Course description and aims
By solving problems, students will gain a tangible understanding of their relationship with language.
Through discussions, they will eliminate their preconceived biases about language.
Students must regularly read the textbook, familiarize themselves with linguistics, and prepare for exams.
Keywords
language, society, use, competence, performance, communication, the methods of analyses
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The class will be divided into small groups, and the lessons will proceed in a format where students discuss and present their answers to questions posed by the instructor.
Key sections, points, and important details that will appear on the exam will be explained during the class.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Language and Society Chi-square test for word frequency analysis. | Learn methods for analyzing language. |
| Class 2 | Bi-lingualism and Multi-lingualism | Research semilingualism; explain familiar examples of semilingualism; clarify whether it is due to the structural features of the language or the characteristics of the speaker's way of thinking. |
| Class 3 | Dialect | Describe the differences and common points between the dialects you know and the language of yourself in the Venn diagram and describe in which way the dialect is different from your style. |
| Class 4 | Language Change | Explain an example of Japanese language change except for removed words. |
| Class 5 | Language register and style Demonstration of an item of the final examination | Compare the writing style of emails and academic papers. Practice solving sample exam questions. |
| Class 6 | Linguistic competece and performance | Describe the differences between vocabulary you understand and that you can use. |
| Class 7 | Linguistics and Japanese language instruction | Prepare for the final examination. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Yokuwakaru Shakaigengogaku (Understanding Sociolinguistics) Tanaka and Tanaka eds., Minarubashoten.It is considered difficult to prepare for the exam without the textbook.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
[Nyumon] Kotobanosekai (An introduction to the world of language) Seda et al. eds., Taishukanshoten.
Since textbooks are necessary for creating exam questions, please purchase them.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Attendance, participation in discussions, and submission of weekly assignments are mandatory.
A minimum score of 80 out of 100 is required on the exam.
The final grade will be calculated based on attendance (60%) and the exam (40%). However, students who show no willingness to engage in discussions during class will be immediately disqualified or asked to withdraw from the course.
This course is not suitable for students who struggle with discussions, and they are advised to consider other subjects instead.
Related courses
- LAH.T210 ： Linguistics B
Prerequisites
Students must discuss the topics with their peers.
Homework is essential, and students must submit all of the homework.