Introduction to Linguistics for Elementary School English Teachers

Introduction to the CourseThe Nature of Human Language What Is Language?Brain and LanguageLearning a First Language

Introduction to CourseCOURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to the field of linguistics. It intends to cover the basics of morphology, syntax, and phonology. It also introduces students to issues of meaning, language use, acquisition, variation, cognition, and the basics psycholinguistics. It seeks to develop students’ research skills, strengthen the cognitive process, reinforce emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills as students prepare to coach on English language skills.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES At the end of the course, students will be able to: 1.Identify the fundamental properties that all languages share, and how languages differ. 2.Identify the basic elements that compose language and how they combine to express meaning.

Introduction to the Course

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES At the end of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Explain what encompasses a language.

2. Distinguish the fundamental issues about the nature of human language as posed by linguists,

philosophers, educators, sociologists and psychologists.

3. Describe language variations within social, cultural and historical contexts.

4. Distinguish between orality and literacy.

5. Appraise issues on language and linguistics making use of the technical terminology in the field.

Evaluation and Grading Scale

Criteria Weight Points

First Semester

Pre-Test

Quizzes 10 % 50 points

Classwork 10% 50 points

Journal 20% 100 points

Newsletter 20% 100 points

Web Site 20% 100 points

Power Point Presentation 20% 100 points

Post-Test

TOTAL 100% 500 Points

Assignments graded on a Pass/Fail basis will impact student’s grade only if he/she fails the assignment. Upon failure of an assignment, twelve (12) points or 3% will be deducted from student’s final point total.

 450 – 500 = A449 – 380 = B379 – 320 = C319 – 260 = D259 – 000 = F

Evaluation and Grading Scale

Required Items

Suggested Texts Fromkin, Victoria & Robert Rodman. (2003). An Introduction to Language

(7th Edition),New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich. Lightbown, Patsy M. & Nina Spada. (1995). How Languages are Learned

(5th Edition),New York:Oxford University Press.

STUDENTS’ MATERIALS.1. Binder2. Loose-leaf paper3. One legal envelope4. Writing tools5. Computer access, Internet connection, and E-MAIL ADDRESS

Books

Lightbown, Patsy M. & Nina Spada. (1995). How Languages are Learned (5th Edition),New York:Oxford University Press.

Fromkin, Victoria & Robert Rodman. (2003). An Introduction to Language (7th Edition),New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich.

References

Next Pre Test

WEB SITE http://linguisticsforteachers.webs.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJoNfxdADk

Pre Test 1

ON A LOOSE LEAF PAPER

Part I:Writing Describe in a four paragraph essay the school you

work in and the students you teach.

Part II: Writing Define in a paragraph the teacher’s role.

Pre Test

ON A LOOSE LEAF PAPER

Part III: On your loose leaf paper write the question and complete answer with the letter of your choice. Multiple Choice: For each of the following questions, circle the letter of the answer that best answers the question.

1. What is language?a. Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice

sounds, gestures, or written symbols. b. A system that includes rules for combining its components, such as words. c. A system that is used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with

dialectd. All of the above

2. What is grammar?e. How component parts combine to form sentences.f. The study of structural relationships in writing, sometimes including pronunciation, meaning,

and linguistic history.g. It consists of the sounds and sound patterns, the basic units of meaning such as words, and the

rules to combine all of these to form sentences with desired meaning.h. All of the above

 3. What is phonology?

i. It is the system of meaningj. It is the sound systemk. It is the rules of word formationl. It is the rules of sentence formation.

Pre Test 1

ON A LOOSE LEAF PAPER

Part II: On your loose leaf paper write the question and complete answer with the letter of your choice Multiple Choice: For each of the following questions, circle the letter of the answer that best answers the question.

4.What is morphology?A It is the system of meaningB It is the sound systemC It is the rules of word formationD It is the rules of sentence formation. 5. What is syntax?A It is the system of meaningB It is the sound systemC It is the rules of word formationD It is the rules of sentence formation

Pre Test 1

ON A LOOSE LEAF PAPER

Part III: On your loose leaf paper write the question and complete answer with the letter of your choice Fill in the Blank: Brain and LanguageInto each sentence below, copy a term from the word bank that correctly completes the sentence.

a. Neurolinguisticb. Broca’s Aphasiac. Lateralizationd. Aphasiae. Anomia

 1. …refers to any cognitive functions that are primarily localized to one side of the

brain or other.2. … is a condition where a patient exhibits impaired syntax and speech problems3. …language dysfunction as a result of brain injury.4. …studies the brain mechanisms and anatomical structures that underline linguistic

competence and performance, and how they developed over time.5. …is when patients have word finding difficulties.

THE BRAIN AND SPEECH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MJoNfxdADk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGCqd9kpbU4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZSn0zX-kH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuPeOKeCxu8

Brain Anatomy and Functions

Brain: Left Hemisphere

How do kids learn language?

What happens in the brain while learning language?

The Brain : Language and Speech Broca's and Wernicke's Areas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVGlfcP3ATI

THE BRAIN AND SPEECH

THE BRAIN AND SPEECH