James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2022

LN3001 - History of Language

Subject Description

This subject provides an introduction to the history of language, with a focus on historical linguistics, language contact, sociolinguistics, multilingualism, and the impact these have on language over time. Students will be introduced to in the scientific methods of historical linguistics, and they will learn how to analyse the dynamics of language change and the social factors that determine language evolution with particular reference to the history of English and to the historical linguistics of the languages taught at JCU (French, Indonesian, Mandarin Chinese). Students will be able to understand the historical motivations that are behind the present-day structures of these languages and the reasons behind their geographical and social variation.

Learning Outcomes

• apply the comparative method to basic historical issues concerning language
• identify social factors that lead to language change
• describe changes that have occurred in the history of English and select languages in Australasia and why these came about
• describe different writing system types and how they have come about historically
• recognise in present-day language variation the patterns leading to language change

Subject Assessment

As this subject is part of a subject chain, a final standard grade (e.g. P, C) will only be recorded for each subject after successful completion of all parts of the subject chain.

• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (40%) - Individual
• Written > Workbook - (40%) - Individual
• Participation > Online participation - (20%) - Group & Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Assumed Knowledge:  Basic knowledge of linguistics acquired through History of Language LN1005 subject

Availabilities