Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LING 220 D100

Introduction to Linguistics (3)

Class Number: 1926

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Explores how language works. Introduces students to the systematic nature of language by exploring the patterns of sounds, words, sentences and meanings in English and other languages. Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on training in pattern recognition and language data analysis. Open to all students.

COURSE DETAILS:

Language is something we use every day, but it is also a complex system with patterns that are often hidden from view. In this course, students will learn how to look at language like linguists: by asking questions, examining evidence, and building analyses from real language data.

We will explore how speech sounds are produced, how languages organize those sounds into patterns, how words are built, how sentences are structured, and how meaning is created. Students will investigate examples from English and other languages to see what languages have in common and how they can differ.

The course introduces the major areas of linguistic analysis: phonetics, phonology, syntax, semantics, and morphology. Students will learn how to transcribe speech sounds, identify sound patterns, analyze syllables, classify words, test phrase and sentence structure, examine ambiguity, and break words into smaller meaningful parts.

A central goal of the course is to develop analytical skills. Students will work through linguistic problems, look for patterns in unfamiliar data, form hypotheses, and use evidence to support their analyses. These skills are useful for studying language, learning or teaching languages, and understanding how human communication is structured.

By the end of the course, you will be able to investigate questions such as:

  • How do people make speech sounds, and how can we describe them?
  • How can we write down speech sounds using phonetic transcription?
  • How do languages use pitch, tone, stress, and length to create meaning?
  • How do languages organize sounds into syllables and words?
  • How can we tell when two sounds make a difference in meaning?
  • Why do sounds sometimes change depending on where they appear in a word?
  • How can we tell whether a word is a noun, verb, adjective, or another category?
  • How can we tell which words belong together in a phrase or sentence?
  • How can we draw the structure of phrases, clauses, and sentences?
  • How are words built from smaller meaningful parts?
  • How can we analyze word structure in languages we have not studied before?

MODE OF INSTRUCTION/ DELIVERY: In-person 

PLATFORM: Canvas 




Grading

  • Tutorials 10%
  • Assignments 10%
  • 4 Tests 60%
  • Final Language Analysis 20%

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Students may optionally read Essentials of Linguistics by Anderson, Bjorkman, Denis, Doner, Grant, Sanders, and Taniguchi. The open-access textbook is available for free through eCampusOntario.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students should familiarize themselves with the Department's Standards on Class Management and Student Responsibilities.

Please note that a grade of “FD” (Failed-Dishonesty) may be assigned as a penalty for academic dishonesty.

All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes or no later than one week after a student adds a course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.