Introduction To Linguistics I
- Arts
- 100 level
- 2 credit units
- 124 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 26 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIN111, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIN111 · UNIT 1 WHAT IS LINGUISTICS?
Linguistics as a science covers various areas of human language which are usually discussed under two broad areas namely, micro-linguistics and macro-linguistics. We shall introduce the branches of linguistic study under these two labels briefly. More detailed discussions of the various branches will follow in later sections of this course.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the nature of human language
- Identify the levels of linguistic description
- Analyze linguistic structures
- Describe theoretical frameworks
- Apply linguistic principles
- Explain relationships between language and brain, mind, society, and culture
What it prepares you for
- Language Teacher
- Linguist
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Content Writer
- Education
- Translation Services
- Media
- Publishing
- Communication
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge
Unit 2: Language, the Brain and the Mind
Understanding the complex relationship between language, the brain, and the mind requires grasping neurobiological factors and cognitive processes.
- Module 3: Language and Grammar
Unit 2: Formal Descriptions of Language II
Formal descriptions of language involve understanding and applying phonetic symbols and phonological rules, which can be challenging for beginners.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Linguistics and Language
Unit 1: What is Linguistics? · 2 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 2Module 1: Linguistics and Language
Unit 2: History of Linguistics · 2 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 3Module 1: Linguistics and Language
Unit 3: Nature of Human Language · 2 hours
Describe the basic characteristics of human language.. Explain language universals.. Identify consonant and vowel sounds.. Complete Self Assessment Exercise..
- Week 4Module 1: Linguistics and Language
Unit 4: Sign Language · 2 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 5Module 1: Linguistics and Language
Unit 5: Human Language versus Animal Communication · 2 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 6Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge
Unit 1: Competence and Performance · 2 hours
Explain linguistic knowledge, competence, and performance.. Understand phonetic, phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic knowledge.. Complete Self Assessment Exercises 1-2..
- Week 7Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge
Unit 2: Language, the Brain and the Mind · 2 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 8Module 2: Linguistic Knowledge
Unit 3: The Evolution of Language · 2 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 9Module 3: Language and Grammar
Unit 1: Grammar and Types of Grammars I · 2 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 10Module 3: Language and Grammar
Unit 2: Formal Descriptions of Language II · 2 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 11Module 4: Language and Society
Unit 1: Language in Society · 2 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 12Module 4: Language and Society
Unit 2: Language and Culture · 2 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 13Module 4: Language and Society
Unit 3: Varieties of Language · 2 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.
- Create concept maps linking key concepts from each module.
- Focus on definitions and examples of linguistic terms.
- Practice analyzing language samples at different levels (phonetics, morphology, syntax).
- Allocate specific time slots for revision each day.
- Prioritize understanding over memorization.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIN111 about?
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.
How many units does LIN111 have?
LIN111, Introduction To Linguistics I, has 13 units across 4 modules, over 124 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIN111?
LIN111 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in Arts.
Is LIN111 hard?
LIN111 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does LIN111 take to study?
About 26 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is LIN111 assessed?
LIN111 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with LIN111?
Language Teacher, Linguist, Translator, Interpreter and Content Writer.
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