Stockholm university
Gå till denna sida på svenska webben

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 linguistic 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.

  • Course structure

    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

    Beáta Megyesi (examiner och coordinating teacher)

  • Schedule

    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.

  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

  • Course reports

  • Contact

    For more contact details, see our education pages:

    Contact information for student affairs

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

    Student Office
    exp@ling.su.se
    08-16 23 46
    C
    • Visiting address

    • C378

    • Office hours

    • Tuesdays 9–10

      Wednesdays 13–15

      Thursdays 13–16

    • Phone hours

    • Tuesdays 9–10

      Wednesdays 13–15

      Thursdays 9–11 and 13–16

Selected reading

Three students outdoors in front of a computer.

Step-by-step guide

Here we explain all the different steps you need to go through when applying to a course or programme. Please read the instructions carefully.

Two happy students looking at a mobile phone.

Meet us online and around the world

Stockholm University arranges regular webinars and participates in educational fairs and events virtually and around the world to meet students and inform them about our study programmes. Meet us and ask what it's like to study with us!

Students of Stockholm University

Every year Stockholm University welcomes thousands of international students from all over the world. Each bringing their own backpack full of experiences, expectations and dreams. Each with their own story.

Photo montage of close-ups of researchers.

Our researchers. Your teachers

As a student at Stockholm University, you will have direct contact with leading researchers in your field and access to the most recent scientific findings. Our researchers. Your teachers. Meet a few of them here.

Mikaela Sörman

Hear from our alumni

Are you wondering what former students thought about your programme? Are you curious about what your education can lead to after graduation? Hear from our alumni!

Show more