230267 Contrastive Language Studies (S) (WiSe 2005/2006)

This is a course that will deal with selected areas that show significant differences and difficulties between the two languages, English and German. Topics will be drawn from the areas of phonology, pragmatics, syntax and above all lexis and semantics.

To list a few example areas: There will be sessions on historical terms and geographical names (what are Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Marokko or Nürnberg in English?), semantic/lexical fields (e.g. Fehler/mistake); onomatopoeia (for instance, what words are there in the two languages for sounds that are linked to water, metal, or animals?); form and meaning, i.e. such areas as false (and true) friends (e.g. what is the German for English warehouse, how's it going?), or polysemy and homonymy (e.g. what is the English for German einsteigen, Nebel, Rezept?).

In syntax, we will deal amongst other things with such examples as all her former kindnesses or the boat sleeps six, which are little known to German students. Another area is word class differences in realizing ideas, e.g. he happened to find her in the library - er traf sie zufällig in der Bibiothek.

Last, but by no means least, we will look at three areas which are central to successful cultural understanding and interaction: word play, everyday conversation and politeness.

Audience: BA's in their Profilphase; Others: in their Hauptstudium

Credits and Requirements: Particpant students can earn three credits for satisfactory work. Students are expecetd to contribute actively to class work. Three assignments will provide the basis for students' grades.