GENERAL LINGUISTICS TUTORIALS

Benjamin J. Molineaux
Language and Brain Lab, 37 Wellington Sq.
benjamin.molineaux@ling-phil.ox.ac.uk
Linguistics as the Science of Language
First Week, Michaelmas Term:
Date and Time:_________
Tutorial:
Our first tutorial will explore some basic notions of linguistics, especially its object and
methods of study. We will hence be asking what linguistics is, and, perhaps just as
importantly, what it is not. We will explore what dimensions of language are relevant to
linguists, and how these can be studied.
Preparation for discussion:
The basis for our discussion will be your reading of the assigned texts bellow (make sure
you read at least three), as well as your answers to the questions proposed here.
Make sure your answers are grounded in your reading, but at the same time, provide an
original synthesis.
1. If Linguistics is the Science of Language, how can we define:

a) Science;
b) Language

2. Based on your own knowledge of languages or dialects, compare two of them (ie
English vs. Portuguese or Scottish English vs. Standard Southern English) to give
original examples of at least FOUR different dimensions in which two of these
languages are different. Some of these dimensions may be lexis, semantics,
morphology, syntax, phonology or phonetics.
Readings:
Fromkin, V. et al, (2003) An Introduction to Language. Boston, Thomson Wadsworth.
Chapter 1: What is language?
Pinker, S. (1994) The Language Instinct. New York: Harper Collins. Chapter 1: An
instinct to acquire an art
Radford, Andrew (1999), Linguistics: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press. Introduction
Akmajian, Adrian (2001), Linguistics : an introduction to language and communication.
Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press. Chapter 1: What is Linguistics?
Reminder: Tutorials are fortnightly and compulsory. Assigned work (usually an essay)
is due at the latest 24 hours before the scheduled meeting, via email (pdf format).
Since you will only have one week to prepare for the first tutorial, please bring your work
on the day of class, either printed or handwritten.