ASIA 131
Introduction to Japanese Formal Linguistics Fall 2024
Division I
Cross-listed JAPN 131

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical study of the Japanese language. We will delve into various aspects of linguistic theory, exploring speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structures (syntax), and meaning (semantics). Throughout, we will primarily juxtapose Japanese with English to deepen our understanding. By the end, we will not only grasp the fundamentals but also gain practical skills to delve into applied linguistics with confidence. This includes areas such as language acquisition, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, language change, and cross-linguistic variation. While there is no prerequisite, having some proficiency in Japanese would enhance your experience.