Later in the course we will consider the activities of language 'mavens' and the effect of notions of correctness on the use of words. Students will be expected to possess a good etymological dictionary and should preferably have access to a thesaurus, such as a recent edition of Roger's Thesaurus. Section 001 - The Literate Imagination. To accomplish this we read autobiographies and historical accounts as well as visit such campus resources as the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the Rare Book Room. 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. Introduction to Linguistics.