Comparative study of a selected language family (to vary each year): features of the grammar of selected languages of the family; comparative phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary; reconstruction of aspects of the proto-language; language change and cultural history. Recent developments and current issues in the historical study of the language family.

The course will serve both to initiate students into the descriptive and comparative study of a particular language family and to consolidate and advance their understanding of the principles of language change and the practice of linguistic reconstruction.

The language family to be studied in 2012 is Austronesian.

The course will initiate students to the descriptive study of modern languages within the context of their family; it will also consolidate and advance their understanding of the principles of language change.

On successful completion of this course, students should:

1. be familiar with the grammatical structures of the adopted language;
2. be familiar with the typological profile of Austronesian languages, in domains such as phonology, morphology, syntax, semantic structures;
3. be able to situate the historical development of Austronesian languages within the broader history of the Asia-Pacific region;
4. be able to analyse raw linguistic data (whether from the language of reference or from other languages), and articulate analytical hypotheses in both synchronic and diachronic perspectives.

Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the student's interests.

32 contact hours (lectures/tutorials) over the course of the semester.

This course supplements PASI2020 (An introduction to Languages of the Pacific).