Linguistics

FR/LING3494Myths and Realities about Language3 ch (3C)

Discussion of widespread myths about language, aiming to shed light on questions of general interest. Topics include: language acquisition and language learning, language and thought, origin of languages, feral children, communication among animals, deterioration of language quality, orthographic reforms, sign languages, primitive languages, grammatical complexity pidgins and creoles, slang and jargons, artificial language. Students enrolled in the Linguistics Program may write their papers in English. 

Prerequisite or co-requisite: LING/FR 3404 or equivalent.