‘ALL I KNOW IS WHAT I HAVE WORDS FOR.’ LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN
TRACKING: LANGUAGE RESEARCH In this tracking language is explored. You will learn: what linguistics is about; how human language functions; which role English plays in the world; how languages evolve; what the world will speak in 2115. The tracking also focuses on how to set up a research. You will learn how to: start off correctly; look for information; process information; present the result; deal with feedback.
CONTENTS 1
What is language?
3
2
The essence of human communication
5
2.1 2.2
Communication model Are you tuned in properly?
5 6
2.2.1
One-to-one communication
6
2.2.2
Group communication Intercultural communication
Research competence: orienting yourself
14
2.3.1
Getting to know the field
14
2.3.2
Keeping a logbook
15
2.3.3
Defining the focus
15
2.3.4
Structuring the research
17
2.3
3
4
5
6
2
9
2.2.3
11
English in the world
18
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
World languages Dominance of English Endangered languages Research competence: looking for information
18 19 21 22
3.4.1
Where do you start?
22
3.4.2
Searching the Internet
24
3.4.3
Visiting the library
24
3.4.4
Selecting sources
25
3.4.5
Making an annotated reference list
26
How does language evolve?
28
4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4
History of the English language Language shift and types of language change Varieties of English Research competence: processing information
28 32 35 39
4.4.1
Note-taking
39
4.4.2
Paraphrasing
40
4.4.3
Quoting
40
4.4.4
Let’s try it out
41
What lies ahead?
45
5.1 5.2
The future of language Research competence: the final countdown
45 49
5.2.1
Revising
49
5.2.2
Proofreading
50
5.2.3
Presenting the research
50
5.2.4
Processing feedback
50
Research competence checklist
52
TRACKING: LANGUAGE RESEARCH