Linguistics - 2008

Introduction to Language and Intercultural Communication

Introduction

Linguistics is the study of all facets of the world's languages. Some of the main areas of linguistics include semantics (looks at the meaning expressed in language), phonetics (studies how language sounds are produced), phonology (studies how sounds combine within words), morphology (looks at how word segments combine to give meaning), syntax (provides an understanding of the structure of the world's languages), sociolinguistics (looks at societal and cultural understanding of language and communicative acts), and psycholinguistics (looks at the mental processes involved in using language). Linguistics also studies how language changes over time and between different societies, for example, the Englishes spoken in the various English speaking countries of the world have many differences, both obvious and subtle.

Objectives

On completion of Extension Program Linguistics students will:

• have gained a general understanding of the nature of human language;
• have begun to develop skills in describing and analysing languages;
• have a conceptual framework for thinking about and discussing language;
• have increased their ability to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically;
• be able to identify the major components of a communicative event;
• have developed their skills in observation and attention to detail through the close examination of communicative situations and linguistic data;
• be able to recognise and explain the factors leading to breakdowns in intercultural communication; and
• have developed greater awareness of potential cross-cultural issues in particular communicative situations they may be faced with.

Career Opportunities

The study of linguistics and applied linguistics teaches a wide range of general skills that are useful in many ways in many areas of work. Employers seek individuals with the ability to express themselves clearly, to solve novel problems and to present their solutions in a clear and accessible form. These skills are central to the study of linguistics and applied linguistics.

Students of linguistics and applied linguistics also gain specific skills in analysing language, aligned with an enhanced understanding of how language is learnt, how people communicate, and how language is used in the community. These skills can transfer across many sectors, and are particularly valuable in:

• language teaching: both foreign language teaching and teaching English as a first or second language;
• information technology: eg linguists work on speech recognition and synthesis, and on developing software that interprets and generates natural language;
• speech therapy and speech pathology: a background in linguistics and applied linguistics is a definite advantage in work helping people, for example, who are stroke victims or are developmentally disabled overcome speech difficulties;
• translation and interpreting: linguistics and applied linguistics provide unique skills in cross-linguistic and cross-cultural communication;
• working with Aboriginal communities: the languages and cultures of Australia's indigenous people are rapidly being lost, and many indigenous schools and communities employ trained linguists to help provide language and literacy materials;
• employment in multicultural Australia: training in linguistics provides skills that can lead to employment working with minority community groups, or with government to develop policies and programs on multilingualism and community languages;
• publishing: linguists are needed by publishers to work on language reference books such as dictionaries and thesauruses, and on language-teaching materials (the demand for these kinds of books is huge).

VCE Prerequisites

Completion of one of English, English Language, ESL or a LOTE 3/4 in Year 11; or enrolment in the same in Year 12 after completion of one of English, English Language, ESL or a LOTE 1/2 in Year 11. Students must obtain an A/A+ average in the subject areas mentioned, and a B+ average across non prerequisite subjects.

Teaching Location

All classes are taught at the University of Melbourne.

Contact Hours

• Total class hours per week: 3
• Total days per week: 2

Credit Arrangements

See Credit Policy for further details.

Subject Descriptions

Both of these subjects must be successfully completed in order to obtain the ENTER increment.

Semester 1

175-105 Introduction to Language

Semester 2

175-108 Intercultural Communication

More Information

Enquiries
Tel: 8344 5179

Linguistics & Applied Linguistics
School of Languages & Linguistics
Level 5, Arts Centre Building
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

Web: www.linguistics.unimelb.edu.au