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.
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.