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Theory People have a lot of misguided ideas about language - what it is, and how it works. We need to explode these myths! Why theory? First, adult second language learners are generally at a disadvantage compared with child acquirers, but one area where they surpass children is in the application of consciously learned rules to language production (see second language acquisition). We want to teach students rules of language (e.g., phonology, pragmatics) which they can apply in their own language use. Second, students who understand how language works in general are likely to be better language learners, and later, perhaps, better language teachers. If you know about second language acquisition, you will understand (a) why practical classes are organised the way they are, (b) what you should do to improve your own English proficiency, and (c) how to help others to make progress in a second language. Third, university courses need a certain dose of academic discipline to distinguish them from classes in baking bread or car repair. By learning about certain fields of linguistics, you gain an introduction to the social sciences, insights into how research is conducted, and an opportunity to stretch your mind! Who are the students? We teach linguistic theory to second year students of English. We feel that after an introduction to oral English in first year, students are ready to learn more about how English works. This information in turn helps them understand why the other oral classes are structured as they are, and what they need to do in order to improve their language skills. Class goals The aims of the classes in linguistic theory are to 1. provide information about what language is and how it works 2. offer a theoretical underpinning to practical classes in listening and speaking 3. stimulate understanding of and interest in the broad discipline of linguistics (sciences du langage) Classes phonetics second language acquisition pragmatics Materials Notes to accompany lectures may be provided in class or on these pages. Class activities Theory classes are run as traditional lectures (cours magistraux, CM), incorporating varying degrees of teacher-fronted activity and class participation. Homework Students may be assigned homework before or after class. Evaluation Students are evaluated at the end of each semester via a written exam.
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