Linguistics

370 Temple, Rm 204, 432.2450
M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Chair
Stephen Anderson

Director of Graduate Studies
Louis Goldstein (320 HGS, 432.2453, louis.goldstein@yale.edu)

Professors
Stephen Anderson, Paul Bloom, Carol Fowler (Adjunct), Roberta Frank, Louis Goldstein, Laurence Horn, Stanley Insler, Frank Keil, Hugh Stimson

Associate Professor
Dianne Jonas

Assistant Professors
Maria Babyonyshev, Darya Kavitskaya, Maria Piñango, Charles Yang

Lector
Seema Khurana

Director, African Language Program
Ann Biersteker

Director, Center for Language Study
Nina Garrett

Supporting Faculty in Other Departments
Stephen Colvin (Classics), J. Joseph Errington (Anthropology), William Hallo (Near Eastern Languages & Civilizations)

Fields of Study
Fields include linguistic theory (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics), experimental phonetics, brain and language, language and cognition, Indo-European, Germanic linguistics, and African linguistics.

Special Admissions Requirements
Two terms of two ancient Indo-European languages, preferably Latin and Greek, are required for the Indo-European program.

Special Requirements for the Ph.D. Degree
Language Requirements: By the end of the second year, students must demonstrate knowledge of two research languages, either by passing a translation examination in the language, or by presenting a piece of research which relies in significant part on sources in the foreign language. A one-term language description course, a field methods course, or a course in the structure of a non-Indo-European language is also required.

Course Requirements: Sixteen term courses at the graduate level. Required courses in syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology, semantics, and historical linguistics will be taken during the first two years. Remaining course work during the first two years in residence will be selected so as to prepare the student in some substantial subfield of linguistics.

Program Requirements: At the end of the second year, each student will take an examination in some subfield of linguistics and also present samples of work demonstrating knowledge of the core areas of the field: syntax, phonology, and historical linguistics. By the end of the third year, the student should have presented two substantial research papers of publishable quality in different areas of linguistics. By the end of the seventh semester, students should have defended a dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation Requirements: Students are expected to complete their dissertations by the end of the sixth year. A dissertation defense is required after submission.

Teaching Fellow and Research Assistantship Requirements: Teaching experience is regarded as an integral part of the graduate training program in Linguistics. All students are required to serve as Teaching Fellows for a minimum of two terms, usually in the third or fourth years of study. Two additional terms of assistantship are also required, either in the form of additional participation in the Teaching Fellow Program, through participation in externally supported, supervised research (e.g., NSF Fellowship), or by serving as an assistant on a research project. Research assistantships are provided by the Linguistics faculty (e.g., from research grants) and by various Yale and Yale-affiliated units. Before accepting a research assistantship in fulfillment of the academic requirement, students must receive approval from the director of graduate studies. To be approved, an assistantship must meet the following criteria: (1) It must be under the supervision of a departmental faculty member or faculty at an affiliated unit, such as the Haskins Laboratories or the Yale School of Medicine. (2) It must provide research experiences that complement the student's academic plan of study. (3) It must provide at least 10 hours of experience per week. If a research assistantship is accepted in fulfillment of the department's academic requirement and if the assistantship provides a stipend less than the standard departmental stipend, a University Fellowship will be provided to bring the combined stipends up to the standard departmental stipend.

Master's Degrees
M.Phil. See Graduate School requirements.

M.A. (en route to the Ph.D.). Students in the doctoral program who successfully complete the examinations and work samples required by the end of the second year of graduate study (see above) may petition for an M.A. degree.

Program materials are available upon request to the Department of Linguistics, Yale University, PO Box 208366, New Haven CT 06520-8366.

Courses
LING 510b^u, Introduction to Linguistics. Darya Kavitskaya. MWF 10.30–11.20
The goals and methods of linguistics. The relation of linguistics to psychology, logic, and other disciplines. Basic concepts in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Techniques of linguistic analysis and construction of linguistic models. Trends in modern linguistics.

LING 512b^u, Historical Linguistics. Dianne Jonas. MW 1–2.15, 1 HTBA
Types of change that a language undergoes in the course of time: sound change, analogy, syntactic and semantic change, borrowing. Techniques for recovering earlier linguistic stages: philology, internal reconstruction, the comparative method. Language change and linguistic theory.

LING 513a^u, Introduction to Indo-European Linguistics. Stanley Insler. T 1.30–3.20
Location in space and time of the major branches of Indo-European; history of Indo-European studies, especially the development of methodology; sketch of the phonology, morphology, syntax, and lexicon of proto-Indo-European, with main developments of these in the daughter languages.

LING 515^u, Elementary Sanskrit. Stanley Insler. MWF 10.30–11.20
Careful study of Sanskrit grammar both in its historical development and as the synchronic system attested in classical Sanskrit. Historical phonology and morphology treated in detail; comparison with other Indo-European languages. Close reading in later Sanskrit texts.

[LING 516b^u, Elementary Hittite.]

LING 517a^u, Language and Mind. Stephen Anderson. MW 2.30–3.45
Knowledge of language as a component of the mind: mental grammars, the nature and subdivisions of linguistic knowledge. The logical problem of language acquisition. The "universal grammar hypothesis," according to which all humans have an innate ability to acquire language. The connection between language acquisition and general cognitive abilities. Representation of language in the brain. Use of linguistic knowledge in speaking: processing. Comparison between human spoken natural language and other systems (signed languages; nonhuman communication).

LING 520a^u, General Phonetics. Louis Goldstein. MW 1–2.15
Investigation of possible ways of describing the speech sounds of human languages. Tools to be developed: acoustics and physiology of speech; computer synthesis of speech; practical exercises in producing and transcribing sounds.

LING 532a^u, Introduction to Phonological Analysis. Darya Kavitskaya. TTh 1–2.15
The structure of sound systems in particular languages. Phonemic and morphophonemic analysis, distinctive-feature theory, formulation of rules, and problems of rule interpretation. Emphasis on problem solving.

LING 535b^u, Phonological Theory II. Stephen Anderson. MW 11.30–12.45
Topics in the architecture of a theory of sound structure. Levels of representation; classical phonological rules and their interaction. Ordering paradoxes; cyclicity and Lexical Phonology. Motivations for replacing a system of rules with a system of constraints. Optimality theory: constraint types and their interactions. Correspondence theory. Opacity and stratal OT. Prerequisite: LING 532a or permission of instructor.

LING 541b^u, Language and Computation. Charles Yang. MW 11.30–12.45
The computational study of natural language and the use of linguistic theories in applied problems. Topics include finite state tools, computational morphology and phonology, grammar and parsing, discourse models, machine translation, and language learning in children and machines. Prerequisite: LING 524 or CPSC 201a/b.

[LING 542b^u, Statistical Natural Language Processing.]

LING 553a^u, Syntax I. Dianne Jonas. MW 11.30–12.45, 1 HTBA
Introduction to generative syntactic theory and argumentation. Phrase-structure analysis, constituent structure, motivation for syntactic transformations, constraints on rule application, and conditions on representations.

LING 561a^u, Introduction to Psycholinguistics. Maria Babyonyshev. TTh 11.30–12.45
The course covers central topics in three major areas of psycholinguistic research: language acquisition, language impairment, and real-time processing. The emphasis is on the relevance of this research to the study of the human mind and on the importance of theoretical linguistics as a tool of psycholinguistic investigation.

LING 563b^u, Language Acquisition. Charles Yang. TTh 11.30–12.45
Language learnability. Acquisition of the lexicon. Development of syntactic knowledge. Parameter-setting model of language acquisition and maturation. Experimental methods in developmental psycholinguistics.

[LING 565b^u, Development of Phonology.]

LING 580b^u, Morphology. Darya Kavitskaya. MW 2.30–3.45
The theory of word structure within a formal grammar. Relation to other areas of grammar (syntax, phonology); basic units of word structure; types of morphology (inflection, derivation, compounding).

[LING 582a^u, Introduction to Old Norse.]

[LING 583b^u, Readings in Old Norse Poetry and Prose: Chronicles of the Vikings.]

[LING 590a^u, Topics in the History of Linguistics.]

LING 602b^u, Comparative Old Germanic. Stanley Insler. T 1.30–3.20
An examination and comparison of the oldest continental Germanic languages: Gothic, Old Saxon, and Old High German. Discussion of the grammatical differences and sample readings from Wulfila's Bible translation, Heiland, and Hildebrandlied. Prerequisite: course in Old English or Old Norse or modern German or permission of instructor.

LING 621b^u, The Relation of Speech to Language. Carol Fowler. TTh 2.30–3.45
A study of the relation between the speech signal and the linguistic message it conveys. Special attention to those characteristics of speech that fit it to humans and make it a uniquely efficient vehicle of communication. Also PSYC 605b^u.

LING 624a^u, Formal Foundations of Linguistic Theories. Charles Yang. TTh 9–10.15
Mathematical methods in linguistics. Topics include: set theory, logic and formal systems, model theory, lambda calculus, formal language theory, elementary statistics, and probability. No prerequisites.

[LING 625, Second-Year Sanskrit.]

[LING 627, Sanskrit Legal Texts.]

[LING 630a, Speech Production.]

[LING 631b^u, Neurolinguistics.]

LING 636b^u, Articulatory Phonology. Louis Goldstein. TTh 4–5.15
Introduction to phonology as a system for combining units of speech (constriction gestures of the vocal organs) into larger structures. Course includes both theory (reading) and practice (analysis of articulatory movement data; modeling using techniques of dynamical systems). Emphasis on universal vs. language-particular aspects of gestural combination and coordination.

LING 640a^u, Topics in Phonology: Sound Change. Stephen Anderson. T 9.30–11.20
Discussion of the phonetic, phonological, and morphological bases of the traditional category of Sound Change (and its antagonist, Analogy), with the goal of understanding how this basic construct of historical linguistics should be understood within current linguistic theory. Prerequisites: LING 512b, 520a, 532a, 535b, or equivalents.

LING 641a^u, Field Methods. Darya Kavitskaya. MW 2.30–3.45
The principles of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics are applied to the collection and interpretation of novel linguistic data. Working directly with a speaker of a relatively unstudied language, the class as a group collects and analyzes the data.

LING 647b^u, Structure of Swahili. Ann Biersteker. TTh 4–5.15
Study of Swahili grammar. Phonology, morphology, and syntax of Swahili examined in detail. Topics also include Swahili dialects, history of Swahili, and comparison with other Bantu languages. Also AFST 647b^u.

LING 654b^u, Syntax II. Maria Babyonyshev. TTh 2.30–3.45
Recent developments in syntactic theory: government and binding, principles and parameters, and minimalist frameworks. In-depth examination of the basic modules of grammar (lexicon, X-bar theory, theta-theory, case theory, movement theory). Comparison and critical evaluation of specific syntactic analyses.

[LING 656b^u, Grammatical Relations.]

LING 660b^u, Topics in Syntax: Sentence Processing. Maria Babyonyshev. TTh 11.30–12.45
Recent models of sentence comprehension. Syntactic parsing strategies and mechanisms of reanalysis; the role of frequency, morphological, and discourse factors in sentence comprehension; individual and cross-linguistic differences in sentence processing. Prerequisites: LING 153/553 or permission of instructor.

LING 661b^u, Topics in Syntax: Celtic Syntax. Dianne Jonas. T 9.30–11.20
The comparative syntax of the Celtic languages: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton. Clause structure, verb-initial, and verb-second syntax from a synchronic and diachronic perspective within the principles-and-parameters framework. Prerequisite: one course in syntax.

[LING 662a^u, Topics in Syntax: Discourse-Motivated Movement.]

LING 663b^u, Semantics. Laurence Horn. TTh 1–2.15
Lexical and truth-conditional semantics. Word meaning and semantic roles. Survey of propositional, predicate, and modal logic. Compositional theories of sense and reference. Opacity, intentionality, and belief contexts; entailment and presupposition. The relations between semantics and pragmatics, and between semantics and syntax.

[LING 675b^u, Pragmatics.]

[LING 676b^u, Implicature and Pragmatic Theory.]

[LING 680a^u, Topics in Morphology: Clitics.]

LING 720b^u, Basics of Digital Signal Processing and Speech Acoustics. Louis Goldstein. W 1.30–3.20
A gentle introduction to concepts of digital signal processing for those without strong mathematics, engineering, or programming backgrounds. Application to techniques for acoustic analysis and synthesis of speech. Vocal tract acoustics. Course is taught through regular programming exercises in MATLAB, but no prior programming experience is assumed.

LING 760b, Seminar in Information Structure. Laurence Horn. M 1.30–3.20
Approaches to the description of information packaging at sentence and discourse levels. The articulation of focus, topic/comment, theme/rheme, and given/new information. (In)-definiteness at the syntax/semantics/discourse interface and its explication in terms of "assumed familiarity," "accessibility," and "givenness." Functional motivation for grammatical structures, rules, and constraints. The compatibility of formal and functional approaches to linguistic structure.

LING 761a, Seminar in Argument Structure. Maria Babyonyshev. Th 3.30–5.20
Current theories of argument structure and the lexicon-syntax interface. Topics include argument structure alternations, linking rules, and systematic lexical gaps. Descriptions and explanations of cross-linguistic variation in the organization of the lexicon. Permission of instructor.

[LING 770a, Learnability and Development.]

LING 771a, Language Creation and Language Change. Charles Yang. T 3.30–5.20
The study of creolization and language change from the perspective of language acquisition. Topics include the structure of creoles, acquisition under exceptional circumstances, grammaticalization, parameter setting and language change, formal models, and implications for the origin of language.

LING 777a, Current Research in Phonetics. Louis Goldstein. Th 3.30–5.20
Intensive discussion of selected research topics in phonetics, primarily in the areas of gestural structure and coordination, dynamical modeling, and articulatory-acoustic relations. Experimental, analytical, and simulation methods are evaluated. Students are expected to have ongoing research projects and to present regular reports on thier progress.

LING 830a or b, Directed Research in Linguistics.
By arrangement with faculty.

LING 831a or b, Directed Research in Phonetics.
By arrangement with faculty.

LING 840a or b, Directed Research in Phonology.
By arrangement with faculty.

LING 850a or b, Directed Research in Grammar.
By arrangement with faculty.

LING 860a or b, Directed Research in Semantics.
By arrangement with faculty.

HNDI 515^u, Elementary Hindi. Seema Khurana. TTh 2.30–3.45, W 4–5.15, 1 HTBA
An in-depth introduction to modern Hindi including the Devanagari script. Through a combination of graded texts, written assignments, audiovisual material, and computer-based exercises, this course provides cultural insights and is geared toward increasing proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Emphasis is placed on spontaneous self-expression in the language.

HNDI 530^u, Intermediate and Advanced Hindi. Seema Khurana. TTh 1–2.15, W 2.30–3.45, 1 HTBA
Through extensive use of cultural documents including feature films, radio broadcasts, as well as graded literary and nonliterary texts, this course continues to build students' proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hindi. Provides a space for meaningful interaction with authentic materials and their related cultures. Furthers the student's appreciation of cultural nuances. Introduces various Hindi literary traditions in the second half of the course. Prepares the student for further academic and nonacademic use of Hindi. Emphasis is placed on spontaneous self-expression in the language. After HNDI 515 or satisfactory placement test.

HNDI 557b^u, Modern Hindi Literature and Popular Culture. Seema Khurana. TTh 4–5.15, W (alt.) 5.30–7.30
An advanced language course designed to further develop the student's overall language skills through exposure to selected modern Hindi literature and popular culture. Focus on the works of Premchand, Manto, and Chugtai; various art forms including theater and film; debates informing the political, social, and cultural dimensions of the parent and related cultures as found in newspaper articles and television news reports. After HNDI 530 or satisfactory placement test.

The following courses are also of particular value to students in Linguistics:

ANTH 513b^u, Language, Culture, and Ideology. J. Joseph Errington.
See description under Anthropology.

[ANTH 533a^u, Bilingualism in Social Context.]

[ANTH 669a^u, Language, Nationalism, and Ideology.].

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