Academic Programs<br>Introduction to Language

The Grier School

Tyrone, PA 16686-0308
Phone: 814-684-3000
Fax: 814-684-2177

Academic Programs
Introduction to Language

Introduction to Language/Linguistics

Language is an extraordinary - if not unique - human ability. This course aims to dispel a number of myths about language by dealing with questions such as the following:

1. What is language?
2. What is the origin of language?
3. Is language unique to humans?
4. Why are there many languages?
5. How are they related?
6. How and why do languages change?
7. Are some languages superior to others?
8. Is there any hope for a universal language?

This course will treat both historical and current views of these issues. In addition, it aims to provide information about the main components of language – phonetics and phonology, morphology, etymology, syntax, and semantics. The course assumes no prior knowledge on the part of the student – technical terms are explained and new concepts exemplified. The course’s general objective will be to enlighten, not to overwhelm, the student as we grapple with basic ideas rather than detailed expositions of grammar.

Grades will be given as follows:
25% Homework (notebook, reading assignments)
25% Tests and examinations (vocabulary quizzes, short essays, final exam) 50% Individual/group projects (class presentations based on research)

Here are some (un)necessary reminders:

1.Punctuality: Come to class on time every day.
Deportment and participation points will be taken away each time you are late.
2.Participation: class discussions will often be student-centered and student-generated – therefore, YOU must come to class prepared and get involved.
3.Cooperation: follow classroom and school rules of conduct and standards of behavior.
4.No food or drink allowed in class.

FACULTY PROFILE

   Francois "Frank" J. Lambert was born and grew up in Montreal, Canada. He earned a B.A. in 1982 at Middlebury College in Vermont with a double major of Italian and Art History. During his time at Middlebury, he spent his junior year at the University of Florence in Italy. He later earned his M.A. in Italian and European Languages from the University of California at Berkeley in 1984.
   He then set out on the road for 25 months, became a backpacker, and discovered an appetite for overseas living, which led him to accept a teaching position (ESL/French) in Seoul, Korea. He spent a total of nine years there, met his wife Yong Sook, and started a family consisting of daughter Francesca and son Niko. He obtained his T.E.F.L. certificate in 1991 from the Scottish Learning Centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has taught a variety of classes in several languages, including AP French and TOEFL preparation classes. Mr. Lambert, his wife and family have most recently travelled to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. He was selected to be part of a team of language teachers chosen to climb 6000 meter high Mount Therpa in Nepal in 1998.
   Francois joined the teaching staff at The Grier School in 1999 and has since taught ESL, French and the Introduction to Language. He coaches soccer every fall at Grier and leads an annual two-week spring break trip to Paris for a group of his French students. He loves the natural beauty of the campus here, the abundant wildlife, but most importantly, the cultural diversity of the students which allows him to indulge his wanderlust while at home in Pennsylvania.

Please fill out our Preliminary Application or email admissions@grier.org for more information.

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