Last chance to study this subject for 2026—enrol by 22 Feb
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Introduction to Linguistics
UndergraduateUNE-LING1012026
Is alliteration a sound that sends you soaring? Does onomatopoeia make your heart ba-boom? Language lovers unite. Learn to analyse sounds, words and grammar. Explore the role of language in society, including attitudes towards spoken word.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Start dates
- 23 Feb 2026
- Price from
- $2,274
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Linguistics
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of the analytical concepts and skills necessary to describe the sound systems, word formation processes, word structures, and sentence structures of human languages;
- apply analytic techniques to identify linguistic structures in a range of languages;
- demonstrate an understanding of the range of methodologies used to ethically study language;
- explain the role played by variation in English, and in other languages;
- demonstrate an understanding of the way language changes over time, including the outcomes of language change and what drives these processes; and
- demonstrate an understanding of the characteristic features and distribution of different writing systems.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
Language is a fundamental aspect of our humanity. In this subject you will receive an introductory overview of the basic structural features of language, and the techniques used by linguists to analyse the sounds, words, and grammar of any language. You will explore the role of language in society, touching on varieties of language (dialects, standards, etc.) and the attitudes people have towards different kinds of language. The subject also explores how children acquire language, and the processes adults go through as they learn a second language (first- and second- language acquisition). There is an emphasis on problem-solving and data analysis; however, you do not need to know any language other than English to undertake this subject.
Assessment 1: Worksheet: 2000 words. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-6;
Assessment 2: Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task: 2 hours. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-6.
The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.
To pass this subject, you must sit the supervised exam and achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the subject.
UNE manages supervised exams associated with your UNE subjects. Prior to census date, UNE releases exam timetables. They’ll email important exam information directly to your UNE email address.- Worksheet (50%)
- Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Elective
- UNE-ART-DIP-2026 - Diploma in Arts
Others
Candidature in Diploma in Arts
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
- Other requirements -
Textbook requirements:
Textbook information is not available until approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the Teaching period.
Students are expected to purchase prescribed material.
Textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateUNE-ART-DIP