linguistics scope note
Fund 2523
Rosvita Vaska
June 10 2003
Coverage:
Linguistics is a scientific discipline with the goal of describing language and speech in
all relevant theoretical and practical aspects. Because of the object of its study and the
investigational methods appropriate to it, linguistics has characteristics of both the
natural sciences and the social sciences. (Bussmann, Hadumod. (1996). The Routledge
Dictionary of Language and Linguistics. (p.284). New York: Routledge).
Subfields of Linguistics
Phonetics investigates the characteristics of speech sounds from the viewpoint
of their production and perception.
Phonology seeks to understand how different languages organize their inventory
of speech sounds into a system of contrasts.
Morphology is the study of how words are formed.
Syntax investigates the rules governing how words are organized in sentences.
Semantics analyzes and describes the meaning of linguistic expressions, while
pragmatics addresses the relationship between natural language expressions
and their uses in specific situations.
These subfields can be studied synchronically, i.e. in respect to the state of a language
or languages at a particular point in time, and diachronically, i.e. by studying the
historical development of a language.
The cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying language acquisition and use treated
in psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. The relationship between language and its
social setting falls under sociolinguistics, ethnolinguistics and dialectology. Finally,
topics covered in applied linguistics include foreign language instruction, translation
and computational linguistics.
Teaching Focus:
Undergraduate and Graduate

linguistic analysis and theory (phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics)

articulatory and acoustic phonetics

historical linguistics (grammaticalization)

language acquisition

analysis of Native languages of Canada

psycholinguistics
Focus is on:
phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, structure of older
and modern languages, theoretical linguistics, language development and change,
analysis of specific languages and language families, Germanic linguistics, IndoEuropean linguistics, neurolinguistics, psycholinguistics, language acquisition (first and
second), applied linguistics (ESL, speech pathology), and Indigenous languages of North
America (descriptions/grammars).
Research Focus:
The research strengths of the department are organized around:
Study of sound systems (phonology and phonetics)
Theoretical syntax and semantics
Psycholinguistics (language acquisition and use).
Currently, department members hold grants from NSERC and SSHRC in the areas of
phonology, language acquisition, semantics, and psycholinguistics.
A joint initiative among the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
recently resulted in founding the Language Research Centre – unique in Canada and
supported with grants from both, the federal and provincial governments.
Language learning and literacy was identified as one of the 'pillars' of prominence and
promise in the Academic Plan, under the priority area of Understanding Human
Behavior, Institutions and Culture.
The Academic Plan Update (March, 2003) recognizes that "scholars in Linguistics, the
three language and literature departments, and Psychology are the primary contributors
to the excellence of the area."
Phonology and phonetics and the psycholinguistic
evaluation of second-language competence are listed as particular areas of strength in
this document, and the role of the Language Research Centre is highlighted.
Research Collections:
Center for Research Libraries contains Linguistics material that is accessible for U of C
student, faculty and staff through Document Delivery Services.
Introduction to the science of language [microform] / by A.H. Sayce 3rd ed. London:
Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner, 1985, c1890.
(Microfiches covering the subject of language and languages and comparative
linguistics. Filmed from a copy of the original publication held by the Dana Porter Arts
Library, University of Waterloo. Ottawa: Canadian Institute for Historical Reproductions,
1985).
Exclusions:
Government publications are purchased under the Government publications fund.
Linguistics of languages with assigned subject specific funds, i.e. Germanic, Slavic,
English, French, Italian Spanish languages, are not purchased under the Linguistics fund.
Interdisciplinary Considerations:
Language teaching/acquisition (Education)*
Germanic linguistics (not covered by the Linguistics fund)
Slavic linguistics (not covered by the Linguistics fund)
French, Spanish, Italian linguistics (not covered by the Linguistics fund)
Linguistics and Religion (Religious Studies)*
Linguistics and Philosophy (Philosophy)*
Linguistics and Psychology (Psychology)*
Linguistics and Sociology (Sociology)*
Linguistics Reference (Reference)*
* No specific agreements between Linguistics and other funds exist.
Selection Notes:
Language:
While English is the primary language, the collection includes publications in all
major languages pertinent to the field.
Level:
Scholarly monographs, textbooks, theses, conference proceedings, academic
serials, handbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries.
Date:
Emphasis is on current material; however, historical linguistics may cover any
time period.
Geography:
Worldwide - due to the nature of the discipline.
Formats:
Predominantly a print, electronic access to periodicals is steadily growing.
Location:
Primarily the MacKimmie Library, however, items may be relocated if more
suitable for other Libraries, eg. Doucette Library, Health Sciences Library.
Duplication:
Multiple copies are avoided except in areas of heavy usage.