Structure of Aboriginal Languages

Subject 175-417 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: 175-015 Syntax and 175-014 Phonetics or equivalents
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Dr Rachel Nordlinger

racheln@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject is an investigation of the phonological, grammatical and semantic features of Australian Aboriginal languages through the study of a particular language, this year Iwaidja, against the background of research on Australian languages generally. Languages studied in previous years have included Kayardild (Qld), Bininj Gun-Wok (NT), Yawuru and Nyulnyul (both WA), Dalabon (NT) and Iwaidja (NT).
Objectives:
  • be familiar with phonological, grammatical and semantic features of Australian Aboriginal languages;
  • have studied one Australian Aboriginal language in detail;
  • appreciate the complexities of Australian indigenous languages;
  • understand the relevance of Australian indigenous languages to the continent's indigenous cultures and histories.
Assessment: Three assignments totalling 2500 words 50% (due during semester) and a 2500-word paper 50% (end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack prepared by the Department.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to analyse unfamiliar systems;
  • discover order in the unfamiliar;
  • be able to present clear, logical analyses of complex systems;
  • be able to use evidence to refine hypotheses.
Notes: Formerly available as 175-033/317. Students who have completed 175-033 or 175-317 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Linguistics && Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Download PDF version.