Linguistics 660
Experimental Approaches to Syntax and Phonology
Wed 9-11
Linguistics Lab: 3700 Market St., #300The course will focus on several topics that revolve about the question: do idiosyncratic dialects exist? and the experimental methods developed to answer that question. Most of the issues concern linguistic phenomena that are too infrequent for the study of spontaneous speech production to yield decisive results. The range of topics that will be considered will be determined by the interests of students enrolled in the course. A preliminary L660 reading list can be consulted to review the range of prior research on these topics:
In phonology, individual variation has been a particular focus in the investigation of near-mergers.In syntax, the existence of idiosyncratic grannars has been explored experimentally in quantifier-negative dialects, in coreference in while clauses, in backwards co-reference, in positive anymore constructions and in wanna contraction.
An area of special interest for the investigation of differences in individual grammar is the study of the meanings of grammatical particles for speakers of minority dialects, for children acquiring their native language, and second language learning.Additional topics may be drawn from Zwicky's 2002 NWAVE presentation Seeds of Variation and Change, particularly with an eye to stranded to and auxiliary contraction.
Those interested in the course are encouraged to consult these links.The decision on what topics to pursue will be made at the first meeting of the course on 9:00, Wednesday morning, September 7th.
Further readings:
Antonella Sorace. Chapter 3. Selective Optionality in Language Development. Philadelphia: Benjamins, 2005.