UCL - Semitic Comparative Linguistics

[GLOR2801]

[30h] 5 credits

This course is taught in the 1st & 2d semester.

This two-yearly course is taught in 2011-2012, 2013-2014,...

Teacher(s): Jean-Claude Haelewyck, Jean-Claude Haelewyck

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

Introduction to the Semitic languages : common heritage and diversity.

Main themes

Description of the Semitic languages and of their characteristics based on phonology, morphology and syntax.

Content and teaching methods

The aim of the comparative study of the Semitic languages is to reconstruct the most primitive characteristics (morphological and phonological) of Proto-Semitic. The study is based on the various forms of the characteristics of each language in order to determine the historical position of each of these languages and to obtain a better understanding of the transformations which these languages have undergone. The introductory section will be devoted to an encyclopaedic presentation of the Semitic languages (geographical extension, chronology, literature). The first two sections will be devoted to phonology and morphology. The third section will be an introduction to comparative syntax (mainly syntax of the verbs).

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Evaluation : oral exam.
Teaching materials : course material giving a synopsis of the complete course.
Support : J.-C. Haelewyck, Grammaire comparée des langues sémitiques, Bruxelles, Editions Safran, 2006.