The physical space around us may seem to be universal, but differences in how people interact with/in their environment (e.g. via settlement patterns, architecture, or agriculture) have long been topics of scholarly inquiry. This course continues this legacy by studying how humans perceive, conceptualize, and describe spatial relationships and their surrounds through the lens of language. We will examine linguistic structures used to convey spatial information in languages across the globe (consider English words like ‘left,’ ‘north,’ ‘down,’ or ‘inside’), the evidence for the cognitive processes that are involved in the use of this spatial language, and the cultural variation therein. By studying the language used to situate objects in space, categorize landscape features, and name places, we will gain an understanding of how language might shape our perception of space and how spatial cognition may influence linguistic expression.
Learning Outcomes:
-Analyze linguistic structures used to describe spatial relationships, the surrounding environment, and our place within it.
-Synthesize information from studies in linguistics and psychology to understand the cognitive processes involved in spatial language use.
-Recognize the potential variation in spatial cognition due to language, culture, and experience.
-Devise and conduct a study of spatial language relevant to your lived experience or Plan.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Previous coursework in linguistics.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 3:40PM - 5:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 16
Course Frequency: One time only
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Linguistics , New Courses , Sociolinguistics , Updates
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