Course content

This course teaches theoretical models of language usage, language structure and how to understand language. The thoughts that we communicate through language can rarely be seen directly in the sentences we produce or receive. Language itself is just a tool aimed to start the thinking processes which the recipient must use in order to understand the reason behind the sentences. 'Context' is a vital concept in this, and it functions as a psychological phenomenon which is shaped and altered during the communication. Students learn how certain elements convey a specific context, thereby making it easier for the listener or reader to understand the message.

Learning outcome

The objective is to offer the students a metalanguage that enables them to reason explicitly around the interplay of the various cognitive processes involved in communication, with a focus on utterance interpretation in context.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group instructions. More on assessment: Obligatory exercises must be approved before the student may sit the written exam. The size of the exercises must be between 2-4 typed A4-pages each (line spacing 1.5). In special cases, upon student petition, a take-home exam may be allowed.

Compulsory assignments

• 3 approved exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

EXFAC0003 and LING1105.