Fall 2005

LIN 312 • Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond

Course Description

Why would anyone want to learn Klingon? Who really speaks Esperanto, anyway? Could there ever be a language based entirely on musical scales? Using constructed/invented languages as a vehicle, we will try to answer these questions as we discuss current ideas about linguistic theory, especially ideas surrounding the interaction of language and society. For example, what is it about the structure of Klingon that makes it look so "alien"? What was it about early 20th century Europe that spawned so many so-called "universal" languages? Can a language be inherently sexist? We will consider constructed/invented languages from a variety of viewpoints, such as languages created as fictional plot-devices, for philosophical debates, to serve an international function, and languages created for private fun. We wont be learning any one language specifically, but we will be learning about the art, ideas, and goals behind invented languages using diverse sources from literature, the internet, films, video games, and other aspects of popular culture.

Grading Policy

Assignments will include weekly participation in an online discussion forum, homework exercises, readings, and a final project. Additionally, there will be two in class quizzes. Homework: 30% Quizzes: 25% Final Project: 25% Class Participation: 20%

Texts

Language Files: Materials for an Introduction to Language and Linguistics 9th ed. by Georgios Tserdanelis, Wai Yi Peggy Wong. Ohio State University Press. Additional readings and materials will be made available in a course packet.

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