Information structure of the sentence: Syntax-semantics interface

  • Course teacher Anita Peti Stantić
  • Associate teachers -
  • ECTS credits 5
  • Number of hours: Lectures + Seminars + Exercises 15 15 0

Course objectives

Introduction to relevant linguistic problems related to the phonological, syntactic and semantic interface in realization of the information structure of a sentence. Training for the design of linguistic tests in order to determine the grammaticaliti and verify the sentence structure.

Enrolment requirements and/or entry competences required for the course

-

Learning outcomes at the level of the programme to which the course contributes

  • Apply theoretical knowledge of the fundamentals of the six core disciplines and their relationship within cognitive science.
  • Apply specific knowledge and skills from selected disciplines constituting cognitive science.
  • Integrate insights, methods, and levels of analysis across different disciplines into a unified framework for understanding the human mind and cognition in general.
  • Critically evaluate cognitive science findings and synthesize information to be employed in a collaborative professional environment.

Course content (syllabus)

  1. Introduction to the course structure and literature.
  2. Discussing linguistic levels and levels of linguistic analysis.
  3. Examining combinatoriality and rules of grammaticality.
  4. Assessment of grammaticality and sentence structure validity.
  5. Discussion on the syntactic and semantic components of sentence semantics.
  6. Examining the components of the information structure of a sentence.
  7. Analysis of the interface between phonological and syntactic elements in shaping the information structure of a sentence.
  8. Exploring the role of word order in sentence information structure.
  9. Analysis of the interface between semantic and syntactic elements in shaping the information structure of a sentence.
  10. Instructions for the seminar paper. Discussion on topics and methodology.
  11. Midterm exam.
  12. Examining the grammar of specific types of sentences with regard to the information structure of the sentence.
  13. Presentation of seminar papers and discussion.
  14. Presentation of seminar papers and discussion.
  15. Presentation of seminar papers and discussion.

Student responsibilities

Regular class attendance, submitted seminar paper before taking written exam

Required literature

  • Jackendoff, R. (2002, 2009). Foundations of Language: Brain, Meaning, Grammar, Evolution. Oxford University Press.
  • Lambrecht, K. (1994). Information Structure and Sentence form. Topic, focus, and the mental representations of discourse referents. Cambridge University Press.
  • Selkirk, E. (2001). «The syntax-phonology interface.» International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, eds. N.J. Smelser and Paul B. Baltes, 15407-15412. Oxford: Pergamon.
  • Wedgwood, D. (2005). Shifting the Focus: From static structures to the dynamics of interpretation. Elsevier.
  • Jana Willer-Gold, Boban Arsenijevic, Mia Batinic, Michael Becker, Nermina Cordalija, Marijana Kresic, Nedžad Leko, FL Marusic, Tanja Milicev, Nataša Milicevic, Ivana Mitic, Anita Peti-Stantic, Branimir Stankovic, T Suligoj, J Tusek, Andrew Nevins (2018) "When linearity prevails over hierarchy in syntax." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 115 (3) pp. 495-500.

Optional literature

  • Cecilia, H. (2018). Cognitive Gadgets: The Cultural Evolution of Thinking. The Belknapp Press of Harvard University Press.
  • Arnold, Jennifer E. «Marking salience: The similarity of topic and focus» (unpublished article)
  • Butler, Christopher S. (2005). «Focusing on focus: A comparison of Functional Grammar, Role and Reference Grammar and Systemic Functional Grammar.» Language Sciences 27 (2005) 585-618.
  • Pereltsvaig, A. (2004). «Topic and Focus as Linear Notions: Evidence from Italian and Russian.» Lingua 114 (2004). 324-344.