Gaelic Dialectology (CT0102)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : LLC-3-CT0102

This course examines the phenomenon of geographically based linguistic variation in Scottish Gaelic, and also gives some attention to the wider question of a pan-Gaelic dialectal area including Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, and to the implications of modern dialectal patterning for the history of Gaelic. The course will consider (1) questions of definition and theoretical approach, including an introduction to dialectology; (2) scholarship on the Gaelic dialects, including the Linguistic Survey of Scotland; (3) questions of denotation (i.e. phonetic and phonemic representation), including practical training; and (4) research methods, including the assessment of data from Survey of the Gaelic dialects of Scotland.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Celtic, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course gives students an understanding of (1) the discipline, concepts and terminology of Gaelic dialect study; (2) the location of the main Gaelic dialect areas in Scotland; and (3) the linguistic features that define the Gaelic dialectal areas. Additionally, students gain a perspective on the relationship between Scottish, Irish and Manx Gaelic, and the history and development of the Goidelic dialects. Students have the opportunity to conduct original research and explore an aspect of Gaelic language which is sometimes neglected, but offers important insights into the literature, history and ethnology of the Gaels.

Assessment Information

Students are required to undertake two assignments: (1) a formal essay on a dialectological topic (2,000-2,500 words), and (2) a presentation delivered in class and then written up (1,500-2,000 words) containing a study of a phonological or other dialect feature, or the characteristics of a specific dialect text or similar. (This year's topics will be given in a separate handout at the beginning of the course.)

The two class-work assignments are each worth 25% and the Degree Examination is worth 50% of the overall mark for the course.