Tracking language research

‘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