The Anthropology Department at Long Beach City College

Linguistic Anthropology Anthropology 4, Language and Linguistics Brief Course Description This course will be available beginning Fall Term, 2002. Language is a unique human characteristic. It is the means by which human culture serves to perpetuate our species and world languages are extremely varied and diverse. In this course, students will examine various theories as to the origin of human language, the structural components of human (and non-human) language, as well as extralinguistic communication in the forms of kinesics and proxemics (body-language and spacing as communication tools). Mechanically, all languages are comprised of minimal sounds (phonemes), sounds with specific meaning (morphemes), the arrangements of sounds (syntax), the rules of composition for language (grammar), and vocabulary (lexicons). Students will be exposed to various language groups to explore language and world-wide linguistic variation, while studies of non-human "language", specifically non-human primates and marine mammals, will demonstrate the uniqueness of human language. As a result of taking this course, successful students will:
	1. demonstrate their understanding of the mechanical components of human language; 2. comprehend non-human language distinctions; 3. trace the origin and development of human language through prehistory; 4. compare and contrast linguistic differences in several contemporary language groups; 5. summarize non-verbal communication techniques of body language and the use of space; 6. discuss the ways in which linguistic researchers study language; and 7. outline various theories as to human linguistic variation.

\| general information \| college bookstore \| distance learning \| library \| schedule of classes \| the e-courses directory \| \| college catalog \| events calendar \| financial aid \|