This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the field of Spanish theoretical and descriptive linguistics beyond grammar with a brief introduction to the evolution of the language. The main components of the Spanish language, phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon, semantics and pragmatics are introduced using the corresponding linguistic metalanguage. Students analyse and investigate how these interdependent components interact as subsystems to form a successful communication tool.  In order to facilitate the understanding of complex structures, students will also explore contrastive analysis of English and Spanish language patterns, and where appropriate with other languages.

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

 1. Demonstrate basic understanding of the field of Spanish linguistics

2. Use linguistic terminology effectively in spoken and written language

3. Apply analytical techniques to analyse natural language data

4. Recognise similarities and differences in Spanish and English patterns   

5. Describe these patterns and link them to theoretical concepts            

2 Exams 30% (LO 1,2,3,4,5)

Critical summary of a linguistic reading 1200 w 25% (LO 1,2)

3 Analysis problems (45%)  (LO 3,4,5)

This course has 3 weekly contact hours (1 lecture and 2 tutorials), and additionally 6-7 hours per week outside contact hours.  

Prerequisite: SPAN2002 or equivalent level of language proficiency demonstrated by sitting a language placement test

SPAN2601The Sounds of Spanish

SPAN2501 Intermediate Spanish I 

Jennifer D. Ewald & Anne Edstrom (eds). 2008. El español a través de la linguística: Preguntas y respuestas. Somerville, MA: Cascadilla Press

 Additional material will be distributed in class and/or in Wattle as needed.

Computers, projectors and DLD already available on campus