Dutch grammar [ LGERM1133 ]

Control of basic tools to analyse a sentence (knowledge of basic grammatical categories).

The main themes are syntax, morphology and (elementary) spelling and phonetic rules

This course aims to provide a basic knowledge of Dutch grammar (spelling, phonetics, morphology and syntax)

The assessment deals with both 'theoretical knowledge' as well as 'grammar skills'. Group work, as well as interim tests, are organised in order to monitor the regular acquisition of the subject matter - written and oral exam

The course is taught in Dutch. Various chapters relating to syntax, morphology and their interaction with phonology/phonetics will be dealt with systematically and, if necessary, through consideration of the French language for a contrastive approach. The remainder of the subject-matter will be the subject of presentations by the students who will analyse Dutch grammars in-depth, prepare a summary of one chapter for the other students and plan for targeted exercises (these presentations will be assessed before being presented in class). Each chapter (morphology and syntax) will be accompanied by various exercises, some of which will be solved during the course sessions.

This course covers two sections of equal importance; in the first phase, we will describe word order in the Dutch sentence; we do not generally seek to answer the question of 'why' words are ordered this way, but we principally show 'how' the Dutch sentence is structured around two poles, that is the main conjugated verb and the verb pole and the  conjunction and suordinate verb group. The distribution of all grammatical functions is then organised on the basis of these two poles. We also deal systematically with all Dutch morphology (across all the grammatical categories).

PowerPoint presentations, students' presentations online. Reference works: - Ph. Hiligsmann, P. Degrave, K. Van Goethem & L. Rasier, 100 fautes. De Boeck (te verschijnen in oktober 2014), Ph. Hiligsmann & L. Rasier, Uitspraakleer Nederlands voor Franstaligen Wolters Plantyn (2007), P. Godin "La Pratique du néerlandais", SPILL 18, Peeters- Leuven ; A.M. Fontein''Pescher-ter Meer, 'Nederlandse grammatica voor anderstaligen', NCB (2011) - 'On-line' grammar with exercises and instant assessment: see http://www.gramlink.com

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