Structure of Aboriginal Languages

Subject LING40005 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2 x 2 hour seminars taught over 6 weeks during semester one
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week plus an additional 6 hour/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: -
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1
12.50
Corequisites: none
Recommended Background Knowledge: none
Non Allowed Subjects: Formerly available as 175-033/317. Students who have completed 175-033 or 175-317 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

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).

This subject has the following hurdle requirements:

  • Regular participation in tutorials is required with a minimum of 75% attendance.
  • All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day and in-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

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.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
Lingusitics and Applied Lingusitics
Lingusitics and Applied Lingusitics

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