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LIN111Arts2 Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Linguistics I

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of linguistics, the scientific study of human language. It explores the nature of human language, its various levels of description, and its relationship to the brain, mind, society, and culture. The course covers the history of linguistics, linguistic knowledge, grammar, and the evolution of language. Students will develop analytical skills for examining language structures and applying linguistic principles.

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26h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
linguisticslanguagegrammarphonologymorphology

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Introduction to Linguistics

2

History of Linguistics

3

Nature of Human Language

4

Sign Language

5

Linguistic Knowledge

6

Language and Society

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Language Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Linguist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Translator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Interpreter

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationTranslation ServicesMediaPublishingCommunication

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Linguistics and Language

2h

Unit 1: What is Linguistics?

2 study hours
  • •Read the unit introduction and objectives.
  • •Understand the definition of linguistics and its relationship with language.
  • •Differentiate between micro-linguistics and macro-linguistics.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-3.
Week
2

Module 1: Linguistics and Language

2h

Unit 2: History of Linguistics

2 study hours
  • •Trace the history of linguistics from Greece to Nigeria.
  • •Identify key figures and their contributions to the field.
  • •Understand the aims and relevance of linguistics.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-3.
Week
3

Module 1: Linguistics and Language

2h

Unit 3: Nature of Human Language

2 study hours
  • •Describe the basic characteristics of human language.
  • •Explain language universals.
  • •Identify consonant and vowel sounds.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercise.
Week
4

Module 1: Linguistics and Language

2h

Unit 4: Sign Language

2 study hours
  • •Define sign language and its elements.
  • •Explain how sign language differs from spoken language.
  • •Trace the history and varieties of sign language.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-5.
Week
5

Module 1: Linguistics and Language

2h

Unit 5: Human Language versus Animal Communication

2 study hours
  • •Compare human language with animal communication.
  • •Analyze chimpanzee, horse, and fish experiments on language use.
  • •Understand the unique features of human language.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercise 1.
Week
6

Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge

2h

Unit 1: Competence and Performance

2 study hours
  • •Explain linguistic knowledge, competence, and performance.
  • •Understand phonetic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic knowledge.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-2.
Week
7

Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge

2h

Unit 2: Language, the Brain and the Mind

2 study hours
  • •Explain the relationship between language, brain, and mind.
  • •Mention the different functions of the brain.
  • •Discuss the importance of the brain to language competence and performance.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-2.
Week
8

Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge

2h

Unit 3: The Evolution of Language

2 study hours
  • •Explain the different notions of the origin of human language.
  • •Describe the ideas supporting the evolution of human language.
  • •Understand the Divine, Bow-Wow, and Oral-Gesture theories.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercise.
Week
9

Module 3: Language and Grammar

2h

Unit 1: Grammar and Types of Grammars I

2 study hours
  • •Define grammar and its types.
  • •Explain traditional, descriptive, prescriptive, and teaching grammars.
  • •Understand the history of grammar study.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-3.
Week
10

Module 3: Language and Grammar

2h

Unit 2: Formal Descriptions of Language II

2 study hours
  • •Identify basic units of description in language.
  • •Explain the description of sounds, sound systems, words, and sentences.
  • •Apply descriptions to your knowledge of a language.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-3.
Week
11

Module 4: Language and Society

2h

Unit 1: Language in Society

2 study hours
  • •Explain the study of language in relation to society.
  • •Discuss the role of language in society.
  • •Highlight factors that affect language.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-2.
Week
12

Module 4: Language and Society

2h

Unit 2: Language and Culture

2 study hours
  • •Define language in relation to culture.
  • •Explain the role of language in culture.
  • •Discuss theories of language and culture.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-5.
Week
13

Module 4: Language and Society

2h

Unit 3: Varieties of Language

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between language varieties and language variation.
  • •Explain outcomes of language varieties.
  • •Discuss the role of language attitudes.
  • •Explain language planning.
  • •Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-5.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.

2

Create concept maps linking key concepts from each module.

3

Focus on definitions and examples of linguistic terms.

4

Practice analyzing language samples at different levels (phonetics, morphology, syntax).

5

Allocate specific time slots for revision each day.

6

Prioritize understanding over memorization.

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