Seminar in Linguistics (400-0-20)

Topic

Linguistic Adaptation

Instructors

Jiayi Lu

Meeting Info

University Library 3670: Wed 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course is an advanced seminar on linguistics adaptation. Adaptation to speaker variability in language use has received increasing attention in recent years from linguists and psychologists alike, who have recognized that, though long ignored, it poses a problem for static theories of language. The course will present a broad survey of recent work in this area across levels of linguistic representation, including semanto-pragmatic, lexical, phonetic, and syntactic adaptation. We will discuss the cognitive underpinnings of adaptation and its relation to learning, and phenomena such as priming, alignment, and satiation, and consider the implications for linguistic theories.

Registration Requirements

Graduate standing, or permission of instructor.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will: (1) gain familiarity with the key empirical findings and past accounts of linguistic adaptation across various levels of linguistic representation (2) critically evaluate the various analyses of the cognitive mechanisms underlying adaptation and its relation to learning, priming, and satiation; (3) be able to propose original studies that examine how speakers engage in linguistic adaptation, and inform theories of adaptation.

Teaching Method

Student presentations and seminar style discussions.

Evaluation Method

In-class presentations, discussions, final write-up.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is restricted for Linguistic Majors, Minors, and Graduate Students until the end of preregistration. After which any students that meet the prerequisites will be able to enroll.