Indo-European Comparative Linguistics

Teacher(s)

Seldeslachts Herman;

Language

French

Prerequisites

Thorough knowledge of at least one ancient Indo-European language (Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, Hittite).

Main themes

An introduction to historic and comparative linguistics, as applied to Indo-european.
This course deals with the following themes:
1. The history of the comparative study of the Indo-European languages;
2. The principals and methods of genetic comparison;
3. The phonological system of proto-Indo-European;
4. Accenting and vocalic alternation;
5. Word structure (root, suffix, ending);
6. Nominal and verbal morphology.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of this course, the student will be familiar with the objectives and methods of linguistic comparison (especially as concerns the reconstruction of proto-languages), the theoretical basis of diachronic linguistics and the major results of the comparative grammar of Indo-European languages (in the domains of phonology, morphology and etymology).

Content

A survey of the Indo-European languages and subgroups. Definition of the theory of genetic affinity. Procedures and objectives of linguistic reconstruction. Reconstruction of proto-Indo-European: phonological system (including the theory of glottals), morpho-phonological system (accent and apophony) and  the morphological system (word structure).

Teaching methods

Lectures on the theory alternating with practical applications (exercises in reconstruction and etymology).

Evaluation methods

Oral exam.

Other information

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Bibliography

- E. Tichy, A Survey of Proto-Indo-European, Bremen, 2006.
- J. Clackson, Indo-European Linguistics: an Introduction, Cambridge, 2007.
- M. Meier-Brügger, Indogermanische Sprachwissenschaft, Berlin, 9e éd., 2010.
- B.W. Fortson IV, Indo-European Language and Culture: an Introduction, Oxford, 2e éd., 2010.

Faculty or entity

EHAC