Fall 2005

POR 396K-2 • Introduction to Romance Linguistics 2

Course Description

Part I. Introduction: initial readings on historical linguistics, history and culture of the Romance family of languages, and an overview of the Latin language. Phonology: study of the phonological characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Exercises in comparative Romance phonology and observation of phonological traits of early texts in each of the languages in question. First research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative phonology, or synchronic phonology of one or more of the languages. Part II. Morphology: study of the morphological characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Three general topics: (1) noun-like elements (nouns, pronouns, adjectives...), (2) verbs, and (3) lexical issues such as derivation, composition, and borrowing. Observation of morphological features of early texts in each of the languages in question. Second research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative morphology, or synchronic morphology of one or more of the languages. May build on first paper and/or relate to the third paper.

Part III. Syntax: study of the syntactic characteristics of Latin and selected Romance languages. Three general topics: (1) noun phrases, (2) verb phrases, and (3) sentence types. Observation of syntactic features of early texts from each of the languages in question. Third research paper reflecting ongoing research in external history, historical or comparative morphosyntax or synchronic topics in one or more of the languages. May build on previous reports.

Grading Policy

Reports, 30% each; participation, etc. 10%.

Texts

Anderson, J. & Rochet, B. 1979. Romance historical morphology. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms Int. Bergquist, M. 1981. Ibero-Romance comparative phonology and morphology. Washington: University Press of America Boyd Bowman, P. 1980. From Latin to Romance in sound charts. Washington: Georgetown UP Harris, M. & Vincent, N. 1988. The Romance languages. NY: Oxford UP Lathrop, T.A. 1984. Curso de gramática histórica española. Barcelona: Ariel (Chapters 1 to 3) Supplementary bibliography SUPPLEMENTARY READINGS Auerbach, E., 1961. Introduction to Romance languages and literatures. NY: Capricorn Books Bergquist, M. 1981. Ibero-Romance comparative phonology and morphology. Washington: University Press of America Hall, R., 1977. External history of the Romance languages. NY: Elsevier Pei, M., 1976. The story of Latin and the Romance languages. NY: Harper & Row Sampson, R. (ed) 1980. Early Romance texts. London: Cambridge UP Wolff, P., 1971. Western languages AD 500 - 1500. NY: McGraw-Hill Wright, R. (ed.) 1991. Latin and the Romance Languages in the early middle ages. University Park, PA: UPA

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