Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/human-language

Introduction

### Course Review: Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics on Coursera If you've ever pondered the wonders of language, the "Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics" course on Coursera might just be the perfect adventure for you. This captivating course invites learners to delve deeply into the fascinating field of linguistics, providing insights that are both foundational and thought-provoking. #### Course Overview The course acknowledges the omnipresence of language in human society. It explores not only the structure and function of language but also its extraordinary role in shaping human interaction, cognition, and culture. With a diverse array of resources, including interviews with renowned linguists and speakers from various linguistic backgrounds, you’ll be introduced to the myriad ways that language manifests in our world. The overarching theme of exploring language reflects its significance in every aspect of human life, making this course a rich tapestry of scientific inquiry and cultural appreciation. #### Week-by-Week Breakdown - **Introduction to Linguistics:** The opening week lays a solid foundation for understanding what makes human language unique. Through discussions about language's role in human culture and interviews with experts, this module sets the stage for deeper exploration. - **The study of sound: Phonology and Phonetics:** In the second week, learners examine the intricate world of sounds. This module challenges preconceived notions about language's building blocks, enhancing your understanding of phonetics and the layers of sound that constitute spoken language. - **The study of words and sentences: Morphology and Syntax:** Exploring how words and sentences are structured in different languages, this section features a fascinating interview with the legendary Noam Chomsky. This week opens up discussions around grammar that can be both intellectually stimulating and fun, with analogies that might surprise you! - **The study of meaning: Pragmatics and Semantics:** Here, the focus shifts to the nuances of meaning, engaging with thought-provoking questions about language and cognition. The interviews with experts like Barend Beekhuizen add depth to this discussion, blending academic rigor with real-world application. - **Language in the Brain:** This module dives into the neurological aspects of language, exploring how the brain processes speech and how this can lead to errors. Engaging with informants’ personal experiences of language also adds a relatable layer that makes the material more accessible. - **Language in Society:** Finally, the course brings the various elements studied thus far into context, examining language's role in social interaction and change. With insights from Prof. Adele Goldberg, learners gain different perspectives on language use, emphasizing its dynamism and adaptability. #### Final Thoughts and Recommendation "Miracles of Human Language" is not just an introductory course; it's an engaging journey through the complex and vibrant world of language. The unique combination of expert interviews, real-life applications, and interactive discussions makes it a standout offering for anyone interested in understanding what language truly is and how it influences our lives. Whether you are a student of linguistics, a language enthusiast, or simply someone curious about how we communicate, this course provides valuable insights that will enrich your understanding. Additionally, the course is designed to be accessible for learners of all backgrounds, making it an excellent entry point into the field of linguistics. If you seek thought-provoking content, a vibrant learning community, and the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, I highly recommend enrolling in "Miracles of Human Language: An Introduction to Linguistics" on Coursera. It promises to be a rewarding educational experience that will unveil the miracles inherent in human language!

Syllabus

Introduction to Linguistics

In this first week, we will try to determine what makes language human: why do (almost) all human beings have a language, and what makes human language different from animal communication systems? We will furthermore discuss the many different places where linguists work, and the many different methodologies that they use for conducting their research. You will moreover get to know all the other participants in this MOOC: my students Inge and Marten, as well as the speakers of six different languages. Finally, don't forget to watch our first expert interview: Marten and Inge have talked with Dr. Victoria Nyst of Leiden University, who has enlightened us in the fascinating world of sign languages! For the assignments with the support of Ethnologue, please make sure to study the instructions listed in 'required and optional readings' of this module.

In this module we will delve into what appear to be the smallest building blocks of spoken language: 'sounds'. As we will see however, all is not what it seems, as we will in fact encounter an even smaller building block of language, a true atom. Another interesting thing about this module is that as of this week our 6 informants will all only speak their own language. Naturally, there is also an interview with my very special friend Prof. dr. Claartje Levelt, whom I have announced before.

In this module we will discuss words and sentences. All languages have them; but as I will illustrate, they can be organized in very different ways in different languages. I will furthermore demonstrate what cupcakes have in common with words in a sentence. This module's interview is with one of the most cited and re-knowned linguists alive, Prof. Noam Chomsky! Finally, our 6 language informants will provide us with information about the word order in their languages.

This module deals with a topic which many of you find very interesting: meaning. How do we determine what a word means? To what extent does our language influence our thinking? How can we change the world with language? As usual, we also have an additional interview with an expert of the current module's theme: in this module Barend Beekhuizen talks to Inge and Marten about his work as a Leiden PhD student in computational linguistics.

This module features all of the well-known parts of the current MOOC. Informants tell us about speech errors in their native tongue, I discuss everyday mistakes with my students Marten and Inge, and we have an interview with Prof. Niels Schiller of Leiden University. He discusses with us his own research among others. We moreover go on a little outing, to see linguists in their natural habitat! Furthermore, thanks to our friends at 'Babel, -The Language Magazine' we have some interesting reading for you. For example, linguist Jörg Schwyter tells us all about how he had to deal with aphasia, and how that has influenced him as a multilingual speaker.

In the previous modules we have dissected the structure of languages, but now we will study language in its real context: how does language change? How do people use language to be polite? Our informants are demonstrating their acting skills, and furthermore we have an interview with Prof. Adele Goldberg! She presents us with an alternative view of language, compared to the one as previously discussed by Prof. Chomsky in the third module.