Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - LING 400 D100

Formal Linguistics (3)

Class Number: 1071

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    LING 322. Recommended: LING 324.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Formal systems and their relation to linguistic methods and theory. Topics include the mathematical properties of natural languages, and rigorously defined frameworks for linguistic analysis and their formal properties. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce you to the analysis of the abstract structures of natural language using rigorous formal techniques and mathematical reasoning.  The course will cover basic techniques in mathematical linguistics and the precise properties of grammatical description in linguistics by studying grammar formalisms, formal languages and automata theory. To develop competence in mathematical reasoning, we will first start with a brief introduction to the basic concepts of set theory, relations, functions, and graph theory.  We will then go on to cover topics such as formal language and automata theory, and the generative capacity of different types of grammar formalisms: finite-state grammars, context-free grammars, context-sensitive grammars, and mildly context-sensitive grammar formalisms such as Tree Adjoining Grammars. This course mainly focuses on syntax, but some attention will be given to phonology such as the formalisms behind phonological rules and syllable structures.

By the end of this course, students will understand:

  • The mathematical foundations of language structure.
  • The different strengths and weaknesses of formal grammars.
  • How we use data from natural language to prove that some formal grammars are insufficient for syntax.
  • How syntactic systems differ from phonological systems in terms of generative capacity.
  • How to model different formal grammars with state diagrams and tree diagrams.
  • How to prove properties of formal languages and automata.
  • What Tree Adjoining Grammar is and how to use it as a model of syntax.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION/ DELIVERY: In-person

Grading

  • Assignments 10%
  • Detailed Assignment Solution Guide 5%
  • Short Quizzes 60%
  • Article Presentation 10%
  • Article Summary 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

PLATFORM: Canvas 

TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED: None  

REQUIRED READING:

No textbook; articles and readings are provided on Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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.