The goal of the course is to develop a self-awareness of language learning strategies and of the developing linguistic systems, called interlanguages, that learners create as they attempt to learn a foreign language. We will first investigate what is known about language learning strategies and interlanguages through a set of selected readings, creating a critical appraisal of the relevant research literature. Finally, we will generalize from these experiences to create a language profile of each student. We will do everything we can to allow you to gain the basis to learn a foreign language better at the University of Michigan. Languages of the World.
Language is a central concern of humankind and with good reason.
As the conduit for most communicative and expressive needs as well as other tasks, it pervades virtually every aspect of human existence. Appreciating and being able to explain the range of variety of spoken and written language among various peoples of the world is an essential key to understanding human culture and diversity. This course systematically addresses many of the questions which most fascinate us about language, thus widening our intercultural horizons and enhancing our sophistication about our own language and culture. It therefore serves those who wish to learn about both our own and other societies, particular languages or regions of the world, and the nature of the human mind. This course is intended for those who are curious about human language but who have not had courses or formal training in linguistics.