German Linguistics Tutorial

Author: Wang Jingping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: Introduces basic theories, concepts, and methods of linguistics, with materials that are easy to understand. It includes vivid bilingual examples, emphasizes the connection between language and cultural backgrounds, and provides a bilingual glossary of linguistic terms (Chinese-German and German-Chinese). This textbook demystifies linguistics for German learners. It consists of nine chapters: Symbol, Semantics, Lexicology, Grammar, Syntax, Text Linguistics, and the History of German Development. Among them, the chapters "Linguistic Symbols in Semiotics" and "Text Linguistics" are newly added. While linguists generally do not include these chapters in the category of "General Linguistics," they are considered essential for foreign language learners. Symbol theory is highly significant for cultivating students' cross-cultural awareness, and text linguistics helps improve their reading and writing skills. Therefore, these chapters are included as supplementary materials for fundamental linguistic knowledge. The final chapter is "The History of German Development," which is essential basic knowledge for undergraduate students majoring in German.
Key Features of the Book:
1. Chinese-German Language Contrast: Foreign language learning difficulties are often attributed to the negative influence of the mother tongue. Recognizing the differences between these two languages can help students enhance their language awareness, establish a correct linguistic perspective, and adopt more positive and effective learning methods.
2. Exploring the Close Relationship Between Language and Culture: Analyzing the cultural connotations of language, especially the differences arising from cultural backgrounds, helps improve students' cross-cultural awareness. To excel in a foreign language, one must understand the other's way of thinking, customs, values, and other cultural foundations to gain a deeper insight into the language.
This textbook is designed for senior undergraduate and graduate students in German studies for a semester-long course. Depending on the course duration (20–36 sessions), instructors can cover four chapters. Considering the theoretical complexity and the number of specialized terms, it is recommended to teach undergraduate students in Chinese and graduate students in German. To facilitate supplementary teaching and reading, I have selected German reading materials for each chapter, along with a bibliography at the end. A bilingual glossary (Chinese-German and German-Chinese) of key terms is provided after the main text.