We are all intimately familiar with at least one language: our own. Few native speakers, however, stop to consider what they know about their own language and how their language shapes daily life. This course will provide students with a basic introduction to language and the relationship of language to society. Examples will be taken from a wide variety of languages and cultures. This course was formerly ENGL 2650 and TESL 2650.

A general introduction to the theory of language, this course will focus on language systems, including how they exist in linguistic communities, with particular attention to phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Examples of general linguistic principles will be drawn from English as well as other languages. This course was formerly ENGL 2660 and TESL 2660.