29383 - Verbal Communication (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will have acquired an in-depth understanding of the key stages in the evolution of human language, the main theories of communication, and the differences between spoken and written production. Additionally, the student will be able to analyse linguistic variation using both oral and written corpora.

Course contents

This course aims to provide students with an introduction to the specific features of oral communication. The course delves into the subject by focusing on two aspects: in the first part, the origin and evolution of human language will be addressed, while in the second part, the focus will be on oral communication, particularly in relation to the notion of grammaticality.

The course assumes a basic knowledge of linguistics, typically acquired through the General Linguistics course.

The lectures will cover the following topics (the list is not exhaustive): the origin and evolution of language in the human species, communication between individuals of the same species and between different species, the oral mode of communication (in comparison with written communication), the notion of spontaneity, traditional grammars and their relationship with written language, the concept of grammaticality, diastratic, diaphasic and diamesic variation, and the use of corpora, particularly oral corpora, in Italian or in a foreign language.

Readings/Bibliography

Adornetti, Ines (2016). Il linguaggio: origine ed evoluzione. Roma: Carocci.

Voghera, Miriam (2017). Dal parlato alla grammatica: costruzione e forma dei testi spontanei. Roma: Carocci.

Teaching methods

The course is primarily based on traditional lectures supported by slide presentations. Students will also be required to prepare and present a short project aimed at illustrating either the origin and evolution of human verbal language or the characteristics of spoken communication, using oral text corpora, such as the KIParla corpus (and possibly written text corpora for comparative purposes).

Attendance is strongly recommended. No additional readings are required for non-attending students.

Assessment methods

The assessment of the knowledge and skills acquired by the student will take place through an oral exam consisting of an interview aimed at evaluating their understanding of the topics covered during the course, as well as their ability to analyse, reflect, and compare materials and examples. The oral presentation in class (during the exam for non-attending students) will be taken into account in the overall evaluation. 

An excellent grade requires in-depth knowledge, terminological mastery, and the ability to analyse and make connections. Accurate knowledge but with some uncertainties leads to a fair evaluation, while learning that is mainly based on memorisation with analytical difficulties corresponds to a pass. Serious gaps and inadequate language will result in a fail.

Teaching tools

Computer, projector, materials available online.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Dell'Oro