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Theory of Language

Code 17500
Year 1
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload TP(45H)
Scientific area Communication Sciences
Entry requirements Not applicable.
Mode of delivery -- Face-to-face.
Work placements -- None.
Learning outcomes This course aims to introduce students to the philosophy of language, providing them with theoretical and practical knowledge about the main concepts and theories inherent to the relationship between thought and language.

1. Identify the main questions and problems addressed by the Philosophy of Language.
2. Discuss the role of language in the formation of mental concepts and categories and in the modeling of cognitive processes.
3. Differentiate pragmatic approaches to language.
4. Problematize the interlinguistic relationship regarding translation.
5. Develop self-reflective capacity on language issues.
6. Understand the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on the philosophy of language.
7. Develop the ability to communicate cultural content in an accessible way.


Syllabus
1) Basics of Language Theory
- Thought and Language
- Nature of the Linguistic Sign — Saussurre

2) Pragmatic Theories of Language
- Speech Acts — from Austin to Searle
- Chomsky and Universal Grammar. Competence and Performance

3) Translation and Artificial Intelligence in the Philosophy of Language And Language Accessibility
Translation Theories
- Impact of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence on the Philosophy of Language
- Language Accessibility in Communication and Culture
Main Bibliography Austin, J. L. (1989). “Performativo-Constativo”. In J. P. de Lima, Linguagem e Ac¸a~o. Da filoso-fia anali´tica a` lingui´stica pragma´tica (pp. 41-58). Lisboa, Portugal: Apa´ginastantas.
Chomsky, N. (1977). Reflexo~es sobre a Linguagem. Lisboa: Edic¸o~es 70.
Eco, U. (2005). Dizer quase a mesma coisa, LIsboa. Difel.
Plata~o (1994). Cra´tilo: dia´logo sobre a justeza dos nomes. Lisboa: Livraria Sa´ da Costa. Saus-surre, F. (1992). Curso de Lingui´stica Geral. Lisboa: Dom Quixote.
Searle, J. (1989). “O que e´ um ato lingui´stico?”. In J. P. de Lima. Linguagem e Ac¸a~o – da filo-sofia anali´tica a` lingui´stica pragma´tica (61-85). Lisboa, Portugal: Apa´ginatantas.
Soares, M. L. C. (2001). Conceito e Sentido em Frege. Porto: Campo das Letras.
Steiner, G. (2002). Depois de Babel. Aspetos da linguagem e da traduc¸a~o. Lisboa. Relo´gio
D'A´gua.
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria - Students who wish to be assessed through continuous assessment must attend as many classes as possible, with a minimum attendance rate of 60%.
- Erasmus students who are not Portuguese speakers will be assessed through the compulsory submission of two written assignments in English.
- Students are exempt from the final exam with a minimum grade of 10 (out of 20) and are admitted to the exam with a minimum grade of 6 (out of 20).
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2026-03-02

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