1870.09 - Syntax

1870.09

Syntax

10

This course aims to enable students to acquire knowledge about important concepts, phenomena and modern theories on syntax, as well as to learn how to use this knowledge in syntax processing for assessments and comparisons of structural analyses of sentences.

The subject is based on the knowledge of syntax acquired from foundation courses. Syntactic argumentation is fundamental in this regard. We will read books and articles presenting these theories in different ways. On that basis, we will examine distinctly Faroese syntax and compare it, particularly to other Nordic languages. We will consider issues such as syntactic knowledge in children and adults, as well as the role of innate competence in acquiring syntax. Reading list The reading list will be published later. For preliminary reading, please refer to the textbook: Santorini, Beatrice and Anthony Kroch. 2007. The syntax of natural language: An online introduction using the Trees program. The book is available at this website: http://www.ling.upenn.edu/~beatrice/syntax-textbook/

Classes are organized into lectures and student presentations and students will have the chance to influence the choice of some of the topics covered.

Oral or written exam (6 hours).