Courses

Theories of grammar and principles of language analysis. Topics include: morphology, syntax, stems, words, phrases, sentences, and categories of meaning. Problem solving with data from a variety of languages is a major part of the course.

This course provides linguists, translators and literacy trainers with principles of adult learning to increase their knowledge, skills and attitudes as effective trainers of adults in cross-cultural settings Students will interact with literature in adult education; describe how these principles might apply cross-culturally; practice teaching using these methods; then analyze and compare approaches used in other cultures with practical application to training across cultures. While the focus is for training linguists, the principles can be applied to training adults in a wide variety of training situations.

This course introduces crucial concepts in anthropology and ethnography to linguists. It focuses on cross-cultural communication with an emphasis on participant observation as an effective methodology for such research. Students collect and analyze data related to topics such as oral traditions, kinship, and social structure. They are introduced to various tools for ethno-semantic analysis, including analysis of cultural themes and worldview, semantic domain analysis, and taxonomic analysis.

Designed to give students practical experience in a linguistics-related field. Students will plan and pursue independent learning through contexts such as a research project, job shadowing, or community experience. Students will present their experiences and dialogue about big-picture ideas such as the equality of all languages, promoting linguistic diversity, and a Christian perspective on language and culture. Students will have an opportunity to reflect on their own growth and their development of perspectives related to linguistics and its influence on their life and work.

The linguistics practicum course is designed to give students a short-term practical experience in a language development program. Students work with a faculty member at TWU and a mentor on location to develop their ability as field linguists through making a contribution to language development work. The location, length of assignment, and work commitments are determined by the faculty member in consultation with the student and field mentor. 120 hours of work are required.

This course explores the rich variety of morphological and syntactic constructions and processes found in human language, deepening the students' understanding of morphosyntactic phenomena from a typological perspective. The topics are examined within the framework of a current theory of syntax.

This course introduces the students to the rudiments of linguistic and sociolinguistic survey. The focus is on purpose-driven language survey design and appropriate subsequent reporting of the findings. Consideration is given to current issues in social science research such as the ethics of sampling, and statistical significance of sample populations.

This course introduces students to theories of second language and second culture acquisition. Students develop and evaluate self-directed strategies based on personal learning styles. Practical experience in the above topics is gained by working with a speaker of a non-Indo-European language.

Covers typical first language acquisition in children. Major topics include phonology, vocabulary, grammar, syntax, pragmatics, as well as literacy development. Application to fields of speech-language pathology and audiology are developed through sections on language impairment and hearing loss.