The Structure of Language

This course gives an introduction to how language works, from its basic elements to complex structures. You will explore several aspects of human language and see how these combine as the building blocks of human communication.
AI generated image based on the course description.

Image generated by OpenAI's DALL·E on the basis of the course description (LIS010) 07/02/2024.

This course is designed to give you an understanding of the functions of language, from the most basic elements to complex structures such as words, phrases, clauses, and sentences in both spoken and written form.

Throughout the course, you will explore how verbal and non-verbal communication interact to create meaning in conversation. You will gain insight into how prosody (the melody and rhythm of language), gaze directions, voice properties, and body language play a crucial role in human interaction.

In addition to examining language in its natural context, the course will introduce you to formal languages and how they can be modeled using formal grammars. This provides a foundation for understanding the structure of language and the underlying theories.

The course also presents how computer-based tools for linguistic analysis can be used. This gives you practical skills that are valuable for further academic studies and in a variety of professional contexts where language analysis is relevant.

The Structure of Language is a course in our
Master’s Programme in AI and Language.



Teaching Format

Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars and laboratory sessions.


Assessment

This course is examined on the basis of written assignments and a written examination.

Examiner

Henrik Liljegren (examiner och coordinating teacher)

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Welcome to contact us at our Student Office!

If you have questions about the Master's programme in AI and Language, contact us at master-ai@ling.su.se.

Department of Linguistics

Student Office

exp@ling.su.se
08162346

Visiting addressRoom C 378, floor 3

Visiting hoursTuesdays 9–10,
Wednesdays 13–15,
Thursdays 13–16

Phone hoursTuesdays 9–10,
Wednesdays 13–15,
Thursdays 9–11 and 13–16

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