The specialisation in Formal Linguistics, which also includes descriptive linguistics and language variation, approaches the study of human language from a range of perspectives and combines theoretical, computational, and descriptive methodologies in a systematic way. Training in formal linguistics will allow the student to describe and analyse spoken and signed natural languages, propose explanatory analyses of diachronic and synchronic linguistic phenomena of a diverse nature, and use computational and experimental techniques to handle linguistic data for research purposes.

Areas covered by Formal Linguistics include the following:

  • formal modelling of natural language rules of both structural and semantic nature
  • advanced issues in crosslinguistic variation and their formal representation
  • sociolinguistic variation, language contact and grammatical change
  • dynamic representation of meaning
  • experimental analysis and computational implementation as validation of theoretical models

Learning objectives

1

 To be able to describe linguistic facts, developing formalisable and verifiable analyses.

2

 To understand and use of theoretical models of language (or any of its dimensions).

3

 To be able to work with language corpus data, experimental data, and elicited data.

4

 To be familiar with neighbouring fields so as to be able to explore interdisciplinary research.

5

 To grow intellectually in a stimulating work environment which creates synergies inside and outside the classroom.

Faculty

The faculty in the Formal Linguistics specialization are distributed in different research groups in the Department, but are principally found in GLiF (the Formal Linguistics Group), and GrEPG (the Prosodic and Gestural Studies Group). These groups are well known at the national and international levels and attract graduate students and postdoctoral researchers of many nationalities, who participate regularly in the groups’ training and research activities.

Courses

There are four core advanced foundational courses on Syntax, Semantics and pragmatics, Morphology and the lexicon, and Phonetics and Phonology). In addition, there are four specific specialisation courses for Formal Linguistics (two of them are taught each year):

  • Advanced topics in linguistic theory
  • Crosslinguistic analysis
  • Current issues in formal linguistics
  • Language variation and change

Students are also expected to take the following methodology course:

  • Argumentation in linguistic analysis

The other requried methodology course can be chosen according to the student’s research interests.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction in the Formal Linguistics specialization courses is English. Students must know enough English to be able to follow the lectures and participate in class. Exceptionally, written work can be submitted in Catalan or Spanish if permission is previously granted by the instructors.

Career paths after the Master’s

The specialization in formal linguistics offers a versatile empirical, theoretical and methodological training that is useful in any profession that involves human language. It is especially suitable for those who wish to continue with doctoral study, be it in a theoretical or applied linguistics.