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Introduction to Language

Unit code: HBLAN110N

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Contact hours36 Hours
CampusHawthorn, Sarawak
PrerequisitesNil
CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

At the conclusion of this unit students will be able to:
  • Examine their own linguistic beliefs and attitudes
  • Appreciate the diversity of language systems in the world today
  • Examine and analyse the fundamental similarities of the languages of the world with a particular focus on Chinese, Italian and Japanese
  • Understand the basic concepts involved in the subfields of linguistics – phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax; second language acquisition
  • Analyse linguistics and practice using these analytic skills to discover the principles on which languages are organised
  • Apply various learning strategies for second/foreign language acquisition including Chinese, Italian and Japanese

Teaching methods

Lecture/seminars (2 hours) and tutorials (1 hour); Language of delivery: English

Assessment

Mid-semester test 30%-40%
Assignments 15%-20%
Weekly activities 5%-10%
Final examination 40%-50%

Generic skills outcomes

The graduate attributes which relate to this unit help to produce graduates who are:
  • Capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • Entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • Effective and ethical in work and community situations
  • Adaptable and able to manage change
  • Aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (eg socio-cultural, economic, natural)

Content

Sound systems of human speech;
The combination of sounds into words;
The rules for combining words into sentences;
The study of meaning;
The role of discourse (speech) and language usage within a social system.

Reading materials

Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.