Linguistics

Li 301: Descriptive Linguistics 

An introduction to phonology, morphology and syntax. Survey of current theoretical approaches.

Prerequisite: En 103.

Li 302: Historical-Comparative Linguistics 

An introduction to historical and comparative linguistics; the applications of linguistics to language study.

Prerequisite: Li 301.

Li 303: Field Methods in Linguistics 

The skills and techniques that enable a person to learn a language through independent study or to derive maximum benefit from language instruction; includes extensive practice with a language helper.

Prerequisite: Li 301.

Li 510: Language Learning 

The task and resources of the language learner. Practical methods for getting the most from a language school experience, and ways to organize raw language data for efficient learning even in the absence of language instruction. Multiple approaches to language learning.

Li 511: Phonetics & Phonology 

Phonetics: pronunciation of the sounds of world languages, with emphasis on natural and accurate production of the sounds. Phonology: how to discover the phonemes of a language (the sounds that can distinguish words) and their positional variants. Principles for using phonological information (1) to pronounce the language more accurately and (2) to devise a practical writing system for the language, if needed.

Li 512: Morphology & Syntax 

Analyzing word-forms and grammatical constructions with regard to form (morphology and syntax), meaning (semantics) and use in context (pragmatics). Identification of form and meaning in data samples from many languages. Grammatical meanings. Major concepts of pragmatics, including inference from situational context, speech acts and information structuring.

Li 513: Field Methods & Literacy 

Application of linguistic skills in a field situation: working with a native speaker so as to analyze and learn the language. Includes extensive practice. Also, making primers and teaching reading.

Prerequisites: Li 510, Li 511, Li 512.

Li 520: Bible Translation 

Principles and methodology, practical approaches to specific Bible translation problems, history and current trends, and details of current theories about equivalence. Analysis of meaning, including components of meaning and multiple senses. Overview of steps and procedures in an actual Bible translation project. Six credits of Greek and six credits of Hebrew are strongly recommended.

Prerequisite: Li 513.

Li 521: Translation Technology 

Guided experience working with Bible concordance programs, grammatical searches, orthography, type for specialized characters and word processing techniques to enhance translation efforts.

Prerequisite: Li 520.

Li 523: Discourse Analysis 

System in language beyond the sentence level; and how the discourse context often determines choices within sentences. Using knowledge of discourse phenomena both for increased understanding of texts and for clear and effective communication. Individually selected readings and projects related to biblical texts, receptor languages for Bible translation, and /or spoken/written discourse in students' native languages.

Li 699: Translation Internship 

On-site instruction and observation of a Bible translation project, under the leadership of an experienced translation consultant. Experiences will be arranged to give the student an overall view of translation projects.

Prerequisite: Li 521.