Time Schedule:
Kaoru Ohta
JAPAN 440
Seattle Campus
Overview of major topics in the linguistic description of Japanese: phonology, morphology, syntax, history, dialects, sociolinguistics, and the writing system. Elementary training in phonological, morphological, and syntactic analysis of Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPAN 313 which may be taken concurrently; JAPAN 342; recommended: introductory linguistics course.
Class description
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It endeavors to answer the question--what is language and how is represented in the mind? Linguists focus on describing and explaining language and are not concerned with the prescriptive rules of the language (i.e. how to form a passive sentence from an active sentence).
Japan 440 provides an introduction to the scientific study of the Japanese language, concentrating on the major linguistic phenomena of the Japanese language. In addition we will examine and explore the properties of the Japanese that are similar or dissimilar to other languages (such as English). We will be searching for answers to the questions, What does someone know when they know Japanese? and How do they get that knowledge?
The study of linguistic knowledge is divided into several areas: the study of sounds and their patterns (Phonetics and Phonology), words (Morphology), sentences (Syntax) and meanings (Semantics). Linguistics also studies how linguistic knowledge is applied in social situations in different cultures (Sociolinguistics), how languages change over time (Historical or Diachronic linguistics) and how people learn languages (Language Acquisition). These three areas all involve language comparison. In this course, however, our focus will be Phonetics/Phonology, Morphology, Syntax and Semantics.
As noted above, linguistics’ goal is to explain language rather than prescriptively states rules of grammar. Therefore, advanced knowledge of Japanese is crucial in understanding the contents of the course. Students must have completed 3rd year Japanese at college level (or be co-currently enrolled in Japan 313). In addition, the basic knowledge of linguistics and Japanese linguistics is required. Students not having completed Japan 342 may not be permitted to enroll in this course.
This course’s aims are twofold: i) introducing the basic topics of Japanese linguistics and ii) develop skills and knowledge by which Japanese data can be linguistically analyzed. Also, some important issues of Japanese linguistics are discussed. The lectures will be given in English.
Student learning goals
Transcribe Japanese phonetically
Discover pronunciation rules in Japanese
Diagram the internal structure of Japanese words and sentences
Discover and justirfy basical morphological and syntactic rules of Japanese
Explain differences of meaning and discover how speakers use different structures
General method of instruction
Through this course, a wide range of topics in Japanese linguistics will be discussed. Students are expected to become familiar with fundamental concepts and methodology of linguistics, applied to Japanese. Course will be divided into two main activities: i) introduction of linguistic facts about the Japanese language and their analysis within the structural and generative linguistics and ii) discussion of the relevant data. To supplement a deeper understanding of topics discussed in class, reading assignments, data collection, homework assignments, and quizzes will be given. Students are required to complete reading questions and summary papers in order to receive credits for reading and data collection assignments. At the end of the quarter, students are expected to present a mini-project (details will be announced later). The course does not have a final exam.
Recommended preparation
Prerequisites: completion or cocurrently enrolled in 4th year Japanese (some exceptions can be made for those who are cocurrently enrolled in Japan 313) and Japan 342.
Native speakers of Japanese are exempt from these prerequisites.
Class assignments and grading
Reading assignments (reading questions will be provided). Problem solving assignments (as appropriate). Data collection Assignments and summary papers.
Reading Assignments … 10% Problem Solving Assignments … 10% Data Collection Summary … 10% Quizzes (4) … 55% Classroom Participation … 5%
