AP/JP 3200 3.00

Japanese Linguistics II: Language change and usage

This course is the continuation of AP/JP 3100 3.00 Japanese Linguistics I: Structure of Modern Japanese Language. Whilst AP/JP 3100 3.00 examines the structure of the Japanese language applying the methods and theories commonly used in five major subfields of linguistics (i.e., phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics), this course focuses on changes in and usage of the Japanese language, treating selected topics from linguistic subfields of historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and pragmatics. The topics include: (i) diachronic change, (ii) writing, (iii) loanwords, (iv) language usage that signals social status and solidarity, (v) variations in male/female language, and (vi) youth language. The course aims to provide a theoretical and descriptive foundation for students who hope to advance their knowledge of the Japanese language and linguistics and apply the gained knowledge to the analysis of non-Japanese data. The language of instruction is English. The course requires no proficiency in the Japanese language. Readings may include texts written in Japanese but these will be glossed in English.
Prerequisite: AP/JP 3100 3.00. Course credit exclusions: None.