Linguistics
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
For questions about specific courses, contact the department.
Courses
Course Number
LING3101W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2023
Times/Location
Tu 13:10-14:25Th 13:10-14:25Section/Call Number
001/10819Enrollment
235 of 300Instructor
John McWhorterCourse Number
LING3102W001Format
In-PersonPoints
3 ptsFall 2023
Times/Location
Tu 16:10-17:25Th 16:10-17:25Section/Call Number
001/10468Enrollment
60 of 60Instructor
Ross PerlinThe ability to speak distinguishes humans from all other animals, including our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Why is this so? What makes this possible? This course seeks to answer these questions. We will look at the neurological and psychological foundations of the human faculty of language. How did our brains change to allow language to evolve? Where in our brains are the components of language found? Are our minds specialized for learning language or is it part of our general cognitive abilities to learn? How are words and sentences produced and their meanings recognized? The structure of languages around the world varies greatly; does this have psychological effects for their speakers?