Linguistics
Undergraduate Subjects
24.900 Introduction to Linguistics
 ( ,  )  
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 24.9000
 Lecture: TR11-12.30 (4-270) Recitation: F10 (56-162) or F11 (56-162, 26-322) or F12 (26-322, 56-162) or F1 (56-162)
Studies what is language and what does knowledge of a language consist of. It asks how do children learn languages and is language unique to humans; why are there many languages; how do languages change; is any language or dialect superior to another; and how are speech and writing related. Context for these and similar questions provided by basic examination of internal organization of sentences, words, and sound systems. Assumes no prior training in linguistics.
Fall: D. Pesetsky
Spring: N. Richards
No textbook information available
24.9000 How Language Works
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: None
Units: 4-0-8
Credit cannot also be received for 24.900
Introduces the field of linguistics as the scientific study of the human capacity for language, and its interaction with other cognitive systems. Examines specific phenomena that reveal the general laws and principles that govern the structure of all human languages, as well as the ways in which languages do differ. Topics include language acquisition and use, language change, dialects, and language technologies, with a special focus on collection and analysis of linguistic data. Assumes no prior training in linguistics.
Staff
24.901 Language and Its Structure I: Phonology
()
(Subject meets with 24.931)
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
Introduction to fundamental concepts in phonological theory and their relation to issues in philosophy and cognitive psychology. Articulatory and acoustic phonetics, distinctive features and the structure of feature systems, underlying representations and underspecification, phonological rules and derivations, syllable structure, accentual systems, and the morphology-phonology interface. Examples and exercises from a variety of languages. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
Staff
24.902 Language and Its Structure II: Syntax
()
(Subject meets with 24.932)
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
URL: https://linguistics.mit.edu/courses/
Lecture: MW11-12.30 (66-144) +final
Introduction to fundamental concepts in syntactic theory and its relation to issues in philosophy and cognitive psychology. Examples and exercises from a variety of languages. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
Staff
No textbook information available
24.903 Language and Its Structure III: Semantics and Pragmatics
()
(Subject meets with 24.933)
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (26-328)
Introduction to fundamental concepts in semantic and pragmatic theory. Basic issues of form and meaning in natural languages. Ambiguities of structure and of meaning. Compositionality. Word meaning. Quantification and logical form. Contexts: indexicality, discourse, presupposition and conversational implicature. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
M. Hackl
No textbook information available
24.904 Language Acquisition
()
(Subject meets with 24.934)
Prereq: 24.900, 24.9000, or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Covers the major results in the study of first-language acquisition concentrating on the development of linguistic structure, including morphology, syntax, and semantics. Universal aspects of development are discussed, as well as a variety of cross-linguistic phenomena. Theories of language learning are considered, including parameter-setting and maturation.
A. Aravind
24.905[J] Laboratory in Psycholinguistics
() 
(Same subject as 9.59[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-3-6
Hands-on experience designing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting experiments on the structure and processing of human language. Focuses on constructing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting an original and independent experimental project of publishable quality. Develops skills in reading and writing scientific research reports in cognitive science, including evaluating the methods section of a published paper, reading and understanding graphical displays and statistical claims about data, and evaluating theoretical claims based on experimental data. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided.
E. Gibson
24.906[J] The Linguistic Study of Bilingualism
()
(Same subject as 21G.024[J])
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: MW1-2.30 (66-144)
Development of bilingualism in human history (from Australopithecus to present day). Focuses on linguistic aspects of bilingualism; models of bilingualism and language acquisition; competence versus performance; effects of bilingualism on other domains of human cognition; brain imaging studies; early versus late bilingualism; opportunities to observe and conduct original research; and implications for educational policies among others. Students participate in six online web meetings with partner institutions. Taught in English. Enrollment limited.
S. Flynn
No textbook information available
24.908 Creole Languages and Caribbean Identities
()
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Caribbean Creole languages result from language contact via colonization and the slave trade. Explores creolization from cognitive, historical and comparative perspectives and evaluates popular theories about "Creole genesis" and the role of language acquisition. Also explores non-linguistic creolization in literature, religion and music in the Caribbean and addresses issues of Caribbean identities by examining Creole speakers' and others' beliefs toward Creole cultures. Draws comparisons with aspects of African-American culture.
M. DeGraff
24.909 Field Methods in Linguistics
 ()
Prereq: 24.901, 24.902, and permission of instructor
Units: 3-1-8
Explores the structure of an unfamiliar language through direct work with a native speaker. Students complete a grammatical sketch of the phonology and syntax, work in groups on specific aspects of the language's structure, and assemble reports to create a partial grammar of the language. Provides instruction and practice in written and oral communication. Enrollment limited.
Staff
24.910 Advanced Topics in Linguistic Analysis
() 
Prereq: (24.901, 24.902, and 24.903) or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
In-depth study of an advanced topic in phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax or semantics, with a focus on the interfaces among these grammar components. Provides practice in written and oral communication.
Staff
24.912[J] Black Matters: Introduction to Black Studies
() 
(Same subject as 21H.106[J], 21L.008[J], 21W.741[J], CMS.150[J], WGS.190[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Interdisciplinary survey of people of African descent that draws on the overlapping approaches of history, literature, anthropology, legal studies, media studies, performance, linguistics, and creative writing. Connects the experiences of African-Americans and of other American minorities, focusing on social, political, and cultural histories, and on linguistic patterns. Includes lectures, discussions, workshops, and required field trips that involve minimal cost to students.
M. DeGraff, D. Fox Harrell, D. Wood
24.914 Language Variation and Change
()
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
Explores how linguistic systems vary across time and space. Uses case studies in particular languages to examine how language transmission and social factors shape the grammatical systems of individual speakers, and how grammar constrains variation and change. Students work in groups to analyze corpus or survey data. Provides instruction and practice in written and oral communication.
E. Flemming
24.915 Linguistic Phonetics
()
(Subject meets with 24.963)
Prereq: 24.900 or 24.9000
Units: 3-0-9
The study of speech sounds: how we produce and perceive them and their acoustic properties. The influence of the production and perception systems on phonological patterns and sound change. Acoustic analysis and experimental techniques. Students taking the graduate version complete different assignments.
E. Flemming
24.916[J] Old English and Beowulf
 () 
(Same subject as 21L.601[J])
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
URL: https://lit.mit.edu/21l-601-old-english-and-beowulf/
Lecture: MW1-2.30 (4-265)
Intensive introduction to Old English (also called Anglo-Saxon), the ancestor of modern English that was spoken in England ca. 600-1100. In the first half of the term, students use short prose texts to study the basics of Old English grammar. They go on to read short poems, and conclude by tackling portions of the epic Beowulf in the last third of the term. Assessment based upon translation work, daily vocabulary quizzes, and three exams. Limited to 16.
A. Bahr
Textbooks (Fall 2024)
24.917 ConLangs: How to Construct a Language
()
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
URL: https://linguistics.mit.edu/courses/
Explores languages that have been deliberately constructed (ConLangs), including Esperanto, Klingon, and Tolkien's Elvish. Students construct their own languages while considering phenomena from a variety of languages of the world. Topics include writing systems, phonology (basic units of speech and how they combine), morphology (structure of words), syntax (how words are put together), and semantics (the expression of meaning, and what language leaves unexpressed). Through regular assignments, students describe their constructed language in light of the topics discussed. Final assignment is a grammatical description of the new language.
K. von Fintel
24.918 Workshop in Linguistic Research
()
Prereq: (24.901, 24.902, and 24.903) or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Students pursue individual research projects in linguistic analysis under the guidance of an advisor. Class meets weekly for presentation of student research and to critically discuss background reading. Focuses on developing skills in linguistic argumentation and presentation of findings. Provides practice in written and oral communication. Includes a 20-page final paper that each student presents to the class.
Staff
24.919 Independent Study: Linguistics
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Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Open to qualified students who wish to pursue special studies or projects.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.UR Undergraduate Research
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Prereq: None
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Research opportunities in linguistics and philosophy. For further information, consult the departmental coordinators.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.URG Undergraduate Research
(, , , )
Prereq: None
Units arranged
TBA.
Research opportunities in linguistics and philosophy. For further information consult the departmental coordinators.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.S90 Special Subject: Linguistics
()
Prereq: 24.900 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Undergraduate subject that covers topics not offered in the regular curriculum. Consult department to learn of offerings for a particular term.
Staff
Graduate Subjects
24.921 Independent Study: Linguistics
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Prereq: Permission of advisor
Units arranged
TBA.
Open to qualified graduate students in linguistics who wish to pursue special studies or projects.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.922 Independent Study: Linguistics
(, , )
Prereq: Permission of advisor
Units arranged [P/D/F]
TBA.
Open to qualified graduate students in linguistics who wish to pursue special studies or projects.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.931 Language and Its Structure I: Phonology
()
(Subject meets with 24.901)
Prereq: 24.900, 24.9000, or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
TBA.
Introduction to fundamental concepts in phonological theory and their relation to issues in philosophy and cognitive psychology. Articulatory and acoustic phonetics, distinctive features and the structure of feature systems, underlying representations and underspecification, phonological rules and derivations, syllable structure, accentual systems, and the morphology-phonology interface. Examples and exercises from a variety of languages. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
Staff
24.932 Language and Its Structure II: Syntax
()
(Subject meets with 24.902)
Prereq: 24.900, 24.9000, or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: MW11-12.30 (66-144) +final
Introduction to fundamental concepts in syntactic theory and its relation to issues in philosophy and cognitive psychology. Examples and exercises from a variety of languages. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
Staff
No textbook information available
24.933 Language and Its Structure III: Semantics and Pragmatics
()
(Subject meets with 24.903)
Prereq: 24.900, 24.9000, or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (26-328)
Introduction to fundamental concepts in semantic and pragmatic theory. Basic issues of form and meaning in natural languages. Ambiguities of structure and of meaning. Compositionality. Word meaning. Quantification and logical form. Contexts: indexicality, discourse, presupposition and conversational implicature. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
M. Hackl
No textbook information available
24.934 Language Acquisition
()
(Subject meets with 24.904)
Prereq: 24.900 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Covers the major results in the study of first-language acquisition concentrating on the development of linguistic structure, including morphology, syntax, and semantics. Universal aspects of development are discussed, as well as a variety of cross-linguistic phenomena. Theories of language learning are considered. Students taking graduate version complete different assignments.
A. Aravind
24.942 Topics in the Grammar of a Less Familiar Language
()
Prereq: 24.951
Units: 3-0-9
Students work with a native speaker of a language whose structure is significantly different from English, examining aspects of its syntax, semantics, and phonology. In the course of doing this, students acquire techniques for gathering linguistic data from native speakers. Enrollment limited.
M. Kenstowicz, N. Richards
24.943 Syntax of a Language (Family)
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Detailed examination of the syntax of a particular language or language family, and theories proposed in the existing literature to account for the observed phenomena.
Staff
24.946 Linguistic Theory and Japanese Language
()
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-6
Detailed examination of the grammar of Japanese and its structure which is significantly different from English, with special emphasis on problems of interest in the study of linguistic universals. Data from a broad group of languages studied for comparison with Japanese. Assumes familiarity with linguistic theory.
Staff
24.947 Language Disorders in Children
()
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
Reading and discussion of current linguistic theory, first language acquisition and language disorders in young children. Focus on development of a principled understanding of language disorders at the phonological, morphological and syntactic levels. Examines ways in which these disorders confront theories of language and acquisition.
S. Flynn
24.948 Linguistic Theory and Second and Third Language Acquisition in Children and Adults
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Students read and discuss current linguistic theory, first language acquisition research, and data concerning second and third language acquisition in adults and children. Focuses on development of a theory of second and third language acquisition within current theories of language. Emphasizes syntactic, lexical, and phonological development. Examines ways in which these bodies of data confront theories of language and the mind. When possible, students participate in practica with second and/or third language learners.
S. Flynn
24.949 Language Acquisition I
()
Prereq: 24.952, 24.970, and 24.973
Units: 3-0-6
Lecture: W10-1 (32-D461)
Lectures, reading, and discussion of current theory and data concerning the psychology and biology of language acquisition. Emphasizes learning of syntax, semantics, and morphology, together with some discussion of phonology, and especially research relating grammatical theory and learnability theory to empirical studies of children.
A. Aravind
No textbook information available
24.951 Introduction to Syntax
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: MW11-12.30 (36-372)
Introduction to theories of syntax underlying work currently being done within the lexical-functional and government-binding frameworks. Organized into three interrelated parts, each focused upon a particular area of concern: phrase structure; the lexicon; and principles and parameters. Grammatical rules and processes constitute a focus of attention throughout the course that serve to reveal both modular structure of grammar and interaction of grammatical components.
S. Iatridou, N. Richards
No textbook information available
24.952 Advanced Syntax
()
Prereq: 24.951
Units: 3-0-9
Problems in constructing an explanatory theory of grammatical representation. Topics drawn from current work on anaphora, casemarking, control, argument structure, Wh- and related constructions. Study of language-particular parameters in the formulation of linguistic universals.
D. Pesetsky
24.954 Pragmatics in Linguistic Theory
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Formal theories of context-dependency, presupposition, implicature, context-change, focus and topic. Special emphasis on the division of labor between semantics and pragmatics. Applications to the analysis of quantification, definiteness, presupposition projection, conditionals and modality, anaphora, questions and answers.
A. Anvari, D. Fox
24.955 More Advanced Syntax
()
Prereq: 24.951 and 24.952
Units: 3-0-9
An advanced-level survey of topics in syntax.
S. Iatridou
24.956 Topics in Syntax
()
Prereq: 24.951
Units: 3-0-9
The nature of linguistic universals that make it possible for languages to differ and place limits on these differences. Study of selected problem areas show how data from particular languages contribute to the development of a strong theory of universal grammar and how such a theory dictates solutions to traditional problems in the syntax of particular languages.
D. Pesetsky
24.960 Syntactic Models
()
Prereq: 24.951 and 24.952
Units: 3-0-9
Comparison of different proposed architectures for the syntax module of grammar. Subject traces several themes across a wide variety of approaches, with emphasis on testable differences among models. Models discussed include ancient and medieval proposals, structuralism, early generative grammar, generative semantics, government-binding theory/minimalism, LFG, HPSG, TAG, functionalist perspectives and others.
D. Pesetsky
24.961 Introduction to Phonology
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR2.30-4 (26-328)
First half of a year-long introduction to the phonological component of grammar. Introduces the major research results, questions, and analytic techniques in the field of phonology. Focuses on segmental feature structure and prosodic structure while the sequel (24.962) considers the interfaces of phonology with morphology, syntax, and the lexicon. Students should have basic knowledge of articulatory phonetic description and phonetic transcription.
E. Flemming, M. Kenstowicz
No textbook information available
24.962 Advanced Phonology
()
Prereq: 24.961
Units: 3-0-9
Continuation of 24.961.
A. Albright, D. Asherov
24.963 Linguistic Phonetics
()
(Subject meets with 24.915)
Prereq: None
Units: 3-0-9
The study of speech sounds: how we produce and perceive them and their acoustic properties. The influence of the production and perception systems on phonological patterns and sound change. Acoustic analysis and experimental techniques. Students taking the graduate version complete different assignments.
E. Flemming
24.964 Topics in Phonology
()
Prereq: 24.961
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: R2-5 (32-D461)
In-depth study of a topic in current phonological theory.
Staff
No textbook information available
24.965 Morphology
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Structure of the lexicon and its function in grammar. Properties of word-formation rules. Problems of selection, productivity, and compositionality. Systems of inflectional categories: case and tense. Phonological aspects of word structure: allomorphy, cyclic phonology, constituent structure, and boundaries. Detailed analysis of languages with complex morphology.
Staff
24.967 Topics in Experimental Phonology
()
Prereq: 24.961, 24.963, or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Experimental techniques to test predictions drawn from current phonological theory. Includes a survey of experimental methodologies currently in use, an introduction to experimental design and analysis, and critical consideration of how experimental results are used to inform theory.
A. Albright, E. Flemming
24.970 Introduction to Semantics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: TR11-12.30 (26-322)
Basic issues of form and meaning in formalized and natural languages. Conceptual, logical, and linguistic questions about truth. Reference, modal, and intensional notions. The role of grammar in language use and context-dependency. Ambiguities of structure and meaning, and dimensions of semantic variation in syntax and the lexicon.
K. von Fintel
No required or recommended textbooks
24.973 Advanced Semantics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Current work on semantics and questions of logic and meaning for syntactic systems in generative grammar.
M. Hackl
24.979 Topics in Semantics
(, )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: T2-5 (32-D461)
Seminar on current research in semantics and generative grammar. Topics may vary from year to year.
Fall: D. Fox, S. Iatridou
Spring: A. Aravind, K. Davidson
No textbook information available
24.981 Topics in Computational Phonology
()
Prereq: 24.961 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Exploration of issues in the computational modeling of phonology: finding generalizations in data, formalisms for representing phonological knowledge, modeling grammar acquisition, and testing phonological theories by means of implemented models. Experience using and developing models, including preparing training data, running simulations, and interpreting their results. No background in programming or machine learning is assumed.
A. Albright
24.982 Topics in Computational Linguistics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Exploration of current issues in computational linguistics and their relationship to linguistic theory.
Staff
24.983 Methods in Computational Linguistics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Seminar on current models and techniques in computational linguistics. Instruction provided in implementing and using models, including model training, evaluation, and interpretation. No background in programming or machine learning is assumed.
Staff
24.984[J] Natural Language and the Computer Representation of Knowledge
()
(Same subject as 6.8630[J], 9.611[J])
Prereq: 6.4100 or permission of instructor
Units: 3-3-6
Explores the relationship between the computer representation and acquisition of knowledge and the structure of human language, its acquisition, and hypotheses about its differentiating uniqueness. Emphasizes development of analytical skills necessary to judge the computational implications of grammatical formalisms and their role in connecting human intelligence to computational intelligence. Uses concrete examples to illustrate particular computational issues in this area.
Staff
24.991 Workshop in Linguistics
(, )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Lecture: M2-5 (66-148)
An intensive group tutorial/seminar for discussion of research being conducted by participants. No listeners.
Fall: A. Anvari, M. Kenstowicz
Spring: E. Flemming, M. Hackl
No textbook information available
24.993 Tutorial in Linguistics and Related Fields
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged
Individual or small-group tutorial in which students, under the guidance of a faculty member, explore the interrelations with linguistics of some specified area.
Consult Department Headquarters
24.995 Linguistics Professional Perspective
(, , , )
Prereq: None
Units: 0-1-0 [P/D/F]
TBA.
Required for linguistics doctoral students to explore and gain professional perspective through industry and academic experiences. Professional perspective options include industry internships, academic internships, or training for academia. For an internship experience, an offer from a company or organization is required prior to enrollment. A written report is required upon completion of the experience. Proposals subject to departmental approval in consultation with advisor.
C. Graham
No required or recommended textbooks
24.THG Graduate Thesis
(, , , )
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units arranged
TBA.
Program of research and writing of thesis, to be arranged by the student with supervising committee.
Fall: Staff
IAP: Staff
Spring: Staff
Summer: Staff
No required or recommended textbooks
24.S93 Special Seminar: Linguistics
(, )
Not offered regularly; consult department
Prereq: None
Units arranged
Covers topics not offered in the regular curriculum. Consult department to learn of offerings for a particular term.
Staff
24.S94 Special Seminar: Linguistics
() ; second half of term
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-3
Half-term subject that covers topics in linguistics not offered in the regular curriculum. Consult department to learn of offerings for a particular term.
Staff
24.S95 Special Seminar: Linguistics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Graduate subject that covers topics not offered in the regular curriculum. Consult department to learn of offerings for a particular term.
Staff
24.S96 Special Seminar: Linguistics
()
Prereq: Permission of instructor
Units: 3-0-9
Graduate subject that covers topics not offered in the regular curriculum. Consult department to learn of offerings for a particular term.
Staff
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