7231019Linguistics (Special Lectures)
| Numbering Code | G-LET29 67231 LJ37 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Second semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | special lecture | |
| Target Year | Target Student | |||
| Language | Japanese | Day/Period | Tue.4 | |
| Instructor name | OGIHARA HIROTOSHI (Part-time Lecturer) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | This course consists of a series of lectures on Manichean Parthian language. Parthian is a Middle Iranian language and, along with Middle Persian, is classified as a West Iranian language. The existing primary materials date back to the first century B.C. and onward, and include inscriptions on monuments, inscriptions on coins and seals, texts written on parchments and paper, and most of the materials in document format are books of Manichaeism. The Parthian-based Manichaeism literature was discovered in Turfan in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, and occupies an important position in the study of Iranian language history because it retains an older form than the Manichaeism writings in Middle Persian. Classical Armenian language not only borrowed words from the Parthian language but was also influenced in terms of syntax. Knowledge of Parthian is indispensable for the understanding of the classical Armenian language. In this course, after providing an overview of the history of Parthian studies and its grammar, I will explain the methodology of document-based linguistic research using unearthed materials and discuss its possibilities. | |||
| Course Goals | This course aims for students to learn the grammar of Manichean Parthian language, to read texts transcribed in Roman letters and to become able to read the materials on their own using tool texts. It also aims for students to obtain a comprehensive knowledge of the linguistic change from ancient Persian to modern Persian language. Students will also understand the relationship between letters and the linguistic system behind them, as well as the methodology of linguistic research using documents and then develop the ability to engage in document-based linguistic research. | |||
| Schedule and Contents |
The lectures will cover the following topics. The number of weeks allocated to each topic is indicated inside the square brackets [ ] while checking students’ degree of understanding. The order of the topics is not fixed, and the lecturer will decide appropriately according to their policy as well as students’ background and level of comprehension. 1. Introduction [1 week] History of Parthian Studies, The categorization of Manichean Parthian language within Iranian language, and introduction of materials 2. Basics of Manichean Parthian language [5 Weeks] Manichean letters Phonology and grammar of Manichean Parthian 3. Methodology of document-based linguistic research using unearthed materials [8 weeks] How to handle unearthed materials The background behind the formation of culture and texts reflected in unearthed materials 4. Feedback [1 week] Semester-end paper Feedback |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Semester-end paper (70%), Participation (short papers) (30%) | |||
| Course Requirements | None | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | To be proactive and take initiative to study the materials introduced in class independently. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | Others. Handouts will be distributed in class. | ||
| References, etc. | Desmond Durkin-Meisterernst "Grammatik des Westmitteliranischen (Parthisch und Mittelpersisch)" (Verlag der Oesterreichischen Akademie der Wissenschaften, 2014), Christopher J. Brunner "A syntax of western Middle Iranian" (Caravan Books, 1977), Desmond Durkin-Meisterenst "Dictionary of Manichaean Middle Persian and Parthian" (Brepols, 2004), Gernot Windfuhr (ed.) "The Iranian Languages" (London: Routledge, 2009, Ruediger Schmitt (ed.) "Compendium Linguarum Iranicarum" (Ludwig Reichert Verlag, 1989). Other materials will be explained in class. | |||
