The LM Course on “Information Structure” falls within the domain of the Complementary learning activities of the MA Degree Course in Modern Languages for International Communication and, specifically, within those activities that are aimed at delving into and enhancing the competences acquired in the linguistic field of analysis. The Course has the aim of providing: advanced reflection on some theoretical and methodological issues concerning, on the one hand, linguistic analysis (with particular reference to information structure, discourse categories and interface analysis) and, on the other, comparative and typological studies in Italy and abroad, thus addressing students towards novel and original paths of research, in a comparative perspective, for individual investigation on information-structural issues. Expected learning outcomes: The students will acquire deep knowledge and advanced competences on the theoretical aspects and the methodological tools which are necessary for the interface analysis of information structure phenomena; they will have a wide knowledge of the relevant international literature and will be able to elaborate individual and original research paths.
teacher profile teaching materials
(1) The interpretation of different types of Focus (informative, corrective, contrastive, exclusive and migrative Focus) and their formal realization, both from a prosodic and a syntactic viewpoint (in situ vs. fronted) in typological diverse languages.
(2) The interpretation of different types of Topics (aboutness, contrastive, familiar/given Topic), the creation of topical chains and the interpretation of null subject in consistent, partial and radical pro-drop languages.
(3) The split-DP and the categories realised within the functional are dominating the noun phrase.
The course will deal with typologically different languages, based on original data and interpretive surveys and includes an applicative part, with the creation of an original experimental by the students.
- Frascarelli, Mara (2007). Subjects, Topics and the Interpretation of Referential pro. An interface approach to the linking of (null) pronouns. Natural Language and Linguistic Theory, 25, 4: 691-734
- Frascarelli, Mara (2010). Narrow Focus, Clefting and Predicate Inversion. Lingua, 120, 9: 2121-2147.
Additional material will be defined during the course. Any additions will be reported on the Moodle platform.
Programme
This course is intended to analyse, within the Minimalist Framework of Generative Grammar, the interplay ("interface") between syntax, prosody, semantics and discourse grammar. In particular the course will focus on three major issues for linguistic investigation and research:(1) The interpretation of different types of Focus (informative, corrective, contrastive, exclusive and migrative Focus) and their formal realization, both from a prosodic and a syntactic viewpoint (in situ vs. fronted) in typological diverse languages.
(2) The interpretation of different types of Topics (aboutness, contrastive, familiar/given Topic), the creation of topical chains and the interpretation of null subject in consistent, partial and radical pro-drop languages.
(3) The split-DP and the categories realised within the functional are dominating the noun phrase.
The course will deal with typologically different languages, based on original data and interpretive surveys and includes an applicative part, with the creation of an original experimental by the students.
Core Documentation
- Puglielli, Annarita and Mara Frascarelli (2008). Linguistic analysis. From data to theory. Rome/Cesena: Caissa Editore (Selected chapters).- Frascarelli, Mara (2007). Subjects, Topics and the Interpretation of Referential pro. An interface approach to the linking of (null) pronouns. Natural Language and Linguistic Theory, 25, 4: 691-734
- Frascarelli, Mara (2010). Narrow Focus, Clefting and Predicate Inversion. Lingua, 120, 9: 2121-2147.
Additional material will be defined during the course. Any additions will be reported on the Moodle platform.
Reference Bibliography
Indicated at the end of every Chapter in the text adopted.Type of delivery of the course
Given the exit from the state of emergency, if conditions remain as they are, the protocol of 2 May 2022 will be applied, according to which teaching activities will be carried out in presence, allowing remote use only in the event of a positive or isolated Covid situation, duly certified. In particular, the course includes 20 face-to-face lectures in the University's premises (for a total of 40 hours). At the same time, the Moodle platform will be active, where materials, handouts and any in-progress exercises will be provided. The reception will also take place in presence (with scheduled bookings), with the usual weekly frequency (2 hours/week).Attendance
Frequency is recommended. No specific program is planned for non-attending students, who are invited to contact the professor in charge.Type of evaluation
The assessment is based on a paper (max. 15 pages) written by the candidate on the experimental investigation conducted as part of the course, and its discussion during the oral examination. The oral examination will take place in person, at the University venues. However, the student will be given the opportunity to take the oral examination remotely in the event of Covid positivity or isolation, duly certified.