Your Professor
Professor Brian Ó Broin is a dynamic and passionate linguist whose work has made a significant impact on the study of the Irish language and linguistics. With a Ph.D. in Medieval Literature and Languages, he seamlessly blends his love for history with modern linguistic challenges, focusing on language preservation and revitalization.
At William Paterson University, he teaches with infectious enthusiasm, engaging students in the complexities of grammar, syntax, and phonetics. His research and publications delve into sociolinguistics, exploring how languages evolve and adapt, particularly within Irish communities. Professor Ó Broin's dedication to his field is evident not only in his academic contributions but also in his active involvement in promoting the Irish language globally. His work is a testament to the power of language in shaping cultural identity, and he continues to inspire a new generation of linguists and language enthusiasts.
The Course
This course introduces students to contemporary linguistic theory and practice, so as to understand the structures and functions of English in all its varieties, with a very thorough look at "prescriptivist" grammar. The course will revolve mostly around standard American English, particularly looking at phonetics, phonology, syntax, morphology, and language acquisition.
Students will be expected to gain a basic knowledge of modern linguistics and a good knowledge of modern English grammar. Students will have sufficient proficiency to undertake a research project involving conversation/speech analysis, developing academic research skills in linguistics, or linguistic experimentation.
A Sample Syllabus
(note that this is a sample and may differ greatly from the actual syllabus that you follow)
Unit One: Introductory
LABOR DAY - NO CLASS
FIRST DAY OF CLASS
"Introductions / Course Preview"
For the next class: Assignment due Sunday before next class 1159pm: informed by (and referring to) what you have read in the preface and introduction of LNFL, write a 1.5 page essay explaining why linguistics is important for your studies (you may take the opposite viewpoint, but you'd better know what you're doing!). Note: please make sure that your name is included in the body of your submission (BlackBoard anonymizes submissions!). (Bb -> Unit 1).
Submit your work as a Microsoft Word file, please (.docx). See "Getting Started" -> "Hacks and Tips . . ." for more information.
Please contribute TWICE to the discussion forum - once with a question, and once with an answer to another student's question. Do this by the same deadline as above. Do this EVERY WEEK of this semester.
Expect a pop quiz EVERY SINGLE DAY of this course, based on any of the reading matter for that day.
Unit Two: Syntax; Grammar Basics
LNFL 4 Syntax Part 1 47-58: For today do exercises A, B, C, D, E, F.
Easy Grammar Test based on MGHH 30 (5%) (Unit 1).
Assignment of opening research paper (5%) (Bb-> Research Projects).
LNFL 4 Syntax Part 2 59-67: For today do exercises G, H, I.
Easy grammar test based on MGHH 31 (5%) (Unit 1)
Also for today: read the initial document on the major Research Paper (see Bb-> Research Papers). Start thinking about what you’d like to do for your major research paper.
Opening research paper is due Sunday 8th October, 1159pm (Bb -> Research Papers)
Unit Three: Morphology; Punctuation
LNFL 5 Morphology Part 1 79-88: For today do exercises A, B, C, D, E, F.
BBG 1 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
Opening Research Paper is due Sunday 8th October, 1159pm (Bb -> Research Papers)
Week 6
LNFL 5 Morphology Part 2 88-95: For today do exercises G, H, I.
BBG 2 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
Unit Four: Phonology; Verbs
LNFL 6 Phonology Part 1 99-113: For today do exercises A, B, C.
BBG 3 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
Week 8
LNFL 6 Phonology Part 2 113-121: For today do exercises D, E, F, G.
BBG 4 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
Sign-Up Sheet for major research project.
For today: choose a research topic (see above). You will be required to declare a research topic today on a sign-up sheet (you may change it at a later date, but you MUST choose a topic now!). Reminder: all interview recordings and special projects must be pre-approved.
LNFL 8 Language Variation Part 1 148-164: For today do exercises A, B, C:2, D, E, F.
BBG 5 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
"Library Tour" - Please meet in Library Instruction Room (L01)
LNFL 8 Language Variation Part 2 164-182: For today do exercises G, H, I, J, K.
BBG 6 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in this chapter.
You will be giving a five-minute presentation on your project at one of the next three or four class meetings (including this one). Please let me know well in advance if you plan to use PowerPoint, video, or audio.
LNFL 10 First Language Acquisition Part 1 205-219: For today do exercises A, B, C, D, E.
PRESENTATIONS.
ONLINE EXERCISE - SEE Bb for submission deadline.
Depending on the project you have chosen you must submit to me:
a) a one-page proposal and an annotated bibliography
or
b) a copy of the recording you plan to linguistically analyze and a one-page proposal outlining the hows and whys of your project
or
c) a detailed several-page description of your special linguistic project. See Bb for more information.
Heads Up! The final exam is three weeks away1!
Week 13
LNFL 10 First Language Acquisition Part 2 219-237: For today do exercises F, G, H, I.
PRESENTATIONS.
Week 14
BBG 7, 8 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in these chapters.
BBG 9, 10 - expect to be quizzed and questioned in class on any or all of the exercises in these chapters.
PRESENTATIONS.
Week 15
Final Examination
You may submit your final research paper at any time between Tuesday 12th December and Friday 15th December 1159pm.
1 Documents: "GuideToTheFinal"; "How to do an in-class examination."