The course introduces students to the basic problems in the study of meaning, in all areas of language (vocabulary, grammar, discourse). Students learn how to formulate and test hypotheses about what a word, an expression or a construction means, how to state this meaning in a clear, precise and illuminating way, and how to compare meanings across languages and cultures. They also learn how the study of meaning can provide analytical tools for clear thinking and for deeper conceptual exploration of ethical and social issues, as well as for better understanding of ways of thinking reflected in different languages.

By the end of the course, you should be able to

1. grasp key issues involved in the study of each semantic field;
2. analyse the meaning of an expression in a rigorous manner;
3. solve simple problems in semantic analysis;
4. explain complex ideas and formulate thoughts clearly and effectively
5. use meaning analysis as a tool to explore human conceptualisation

Generic skills:  Communication, problem-solving, and research. 

Class participation (10%), one assignment (10%), one test (15%), essay (30%), exam (35%)

The course consists of 3 hours of lectures per week from Week 1 - Week 9, and 2 hours of lectures per week in weeks 10-13. There are no tutorials.

No special assumed knowledge or skills beyond the prerequisite statement.

Introduction to the Study of Language LING1001/LING2001 or Cross-Cultural Communication LING1021/2021, or with permission of Lecturer.

One electronic reading brick

Wierzbicka, Anna. 2006. English : Meaning and culture. New York : OUP.

This course is required for Honours in Linguistics.