This course is an introduction to historical linguistics, and how the study of linguistic histories informs our more general understanding of the history of Asia and the Pacific – particularly when we go back beyond the reach of written records. Asia and the Pacific form the linguistically most diverse area in the world, and past and present societies across the two regions are typically identified by the kind of languages they speak. The course explores the status and internal diversity of a number of different language groupings, including language families such as Sino-Tibetan, Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai and Austronesian, linguistic areas such as India and Mainland Southeast Asia, and languages whose historical connections remain debated, such as Japanese and Korean, and it considers what language histories can tell us about the non-linguistic histories of Asia-Pacific societies. The course aims to introduce students to the basic principles and methods of historical linguistics, including processes of language change and language contact, as well as the ways in which linguistic development reflects socio-cultural change. We will use language history as a starting point for broader discussions that incorporate research from anthropology, archaeology and population genetics, asking how the different disciplines tell similar or different stories about the Asia-Pacific past.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of and evaluate current models and theories of using language to recover the past
- Analyse linguistic data using methods of historical linguistics
- Critically assess and evaluate research on specific language history scenarios
- Reflect on and articulate how language histories interact with research from related disciplines
- Construct well-supported arguments in support of different perspectives on language histories.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Three Assignments (10% each) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research Project Proposal and Annotated Bibliography (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research Project Round-table Discussion (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research Project Essay (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Contact hours for this course are two one-hour lectures and one one-hour tutorial per week. Students are expected to spend an additional six hours of independent study on prescribed class readings, tutorial preparation, and assessment preparation.Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There is no single prescribed text for this course. Readings will be provided from various sources and made available on Wattle.Areas of Interest
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Asian Languages
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Asia-Pacific Studies
- Linguistics
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5700 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4061 | 21 Feb 2022 | 28 Feb 2022 | 31 Mar 2022 | 27 May 2022 | In-Person and Online | View |
