Languages of the Mediterranean - ASJPV0004

• Title: Languages of the Mediterranean
• Guaranteed by: Institute of Ancient Near Eastern Studies (21-USPV)
• Faculty: Faculty of Arts
• Actual: from 2024
• Semester: summer
• Points: 2
• E-Credits: 4
• Examination process: summer s.:
• Hours per week, examination: summer s.:2/0, C [HT]
• Capacity: unlimited / unknown (unknown)
• Min. number of students: unlimited
• 4EU+: no
• Virtual mobility / capacity: yes / 15
• State of the course: taught
• Language: English
• Teaching methods: combined
• Note: course can be enrolled in outside the study plan; enabled for web enrollment
• Guarantor: Mgr. Dita Frantíková, Ph.D.
• Teacher(s): Mgr. Dita Frantíková, Ph.D.

Annotation

The course "Languages of the Mediterranean" explores the linguistic diversity and historical evolution of languages in the Mediterranean region, from ancient to modern times. It examines the development, spread, and interaction of languages such as Egyptian, Phoenician, Mycenaen Greek, Latin, and their successors, focusing on their linguistic, cultural and historical contexts. Through a chronological approach, students will gain insights into the role of language in shaping identity, trade, religion, and politics across one of the most linguistically dynamic areas in human history.
The lectures are suitable for anyone interested in the diachronic development of the area, from Ancient times to today. Students of linguistic disciplines are welcome as well as those interested in material culture, questions of religion and politics. (Though the languages from the earliest attested to today are the focus of the lectures, I will try to adjust to non-linguists and their needs, as well). The only language you must know is English - obviously, if you are acquainted with some Mediterranean language(s), that will be a bonus. To accomplish the subject, you will be asked to write two tests in the course of the semester and one final test. This is to make sure that you have understood what has been taught. Your personal goal should be acquiring a solid foundation for further study in the area of both historical and modern linguistics of the Mediterranean or in the area of Mediterranean archeology and history.

Last update: Frantíková Dita, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.11.2024)

Literature

• Blench, R. (2004). The Prehistory of the Mediterranean Region. 

  Dixon, R. M. W. (1997). The Rise and Fall of Languages.

  Sansò, Andrea. "18 Mediterranean languages". The Languages and Linguistics of Europe: A Comprehensive Guide, edited by Bernd Kortmann and Johan van der Auwera, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter Mouton, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110220261.341     

  Roger D. Woodard (ed.), 2004. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the World’s Ancient Languages.Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Last update: Frantíková Dita, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.11.2024)

Requirements to the exam

It is quite important to attend the classes because every lecture is unique and difficult for home-study. However, there is no set number of lessons you must attend. Our aim is to teach the students, and testing is only a way of encouraging more learning. You will get opportunity to be tested either in a written form or in an interesting discussion over adjetcives as you know them.

Last update: Frantíková Dita, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.11.2024)

Syllabus

Syllabus Outline

Session 1: Introduction to Mediterranean Linguistic Diversity

• Overview of the Mediterranean as a linguistic area.

• Definition and significance of "linguistic continuum."

• Prehistoric and proto-languages in the region.

• Course logistics and expectations.

Session 2: The Oldest Languages of the Mediterranean: Sumerian and Egyptian

• Sumerian: The first written language and its influence.

• Egyptian: Hieroglyphs, linguistic structure, and Coptic as its modern descendant.

• Early writing systems and their spread.

Session 3: Semitic Languages: Akkadian, Phoenician, and Aramaic

• Akkadian: Linguistic structure and its legacy.

• Phoenician: Its role in trade and the origin of the alphabet.

• Aramaic: A lingua franca of the ancient Mediterranean.

Session 4: The Indo-European Roots: Hittite and Mycenaean Greek

• Hittite: The oldest attested Indo-European language.

• Mycenaean Greek: Linear B and its decipherment.

• Connections to other Indo-European languages.

Session 5: Classical Greek and Its Dialects

• The development of Ancient Greek and its major dialects.

• Influence on science, philosophy, and politics.

• Koine Greek as a lingua franca of the Hellenistic world.

Session 6: Etruscan and the Languages of Pre-Roman Italy

• Etruscan: Origins, script, and language features.

• Other Italic languages: Oscan, Umbrian, and early Latin.

• Contact between Italic and Mediterranean cultures.

Session 7: Latin and the Romanization of the Mediterranean

• Latin: From Republic to Empire.

• Spread of Latin and emergence of Vulgar Latin.

• Influence on Romance languages and later developments.

Session 8: The Semitic Revival: Arabic and Its Spread

• Arabic: Its rise with Islam and linguistic structure.

• Spread across the Mediterranean and influence on local languages.

• Arabic loanwords in Romance and other Mediterranean languages.

Session 9: The Languages of Medieval Mediterranean

• Byzantine Greek: The legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire.

• Hebrew: Its revival in religious texts and everyday use.

• Berber and other North African languages.

Session 10: Romance Languages: From Latin to Modern Variants

• Development of Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, French, etc.).

• Dialects and regional variations in the Mediterranean basin.

• Interaction with non-Romance languages.

Session 11: The Turkic Influence: Ottoman Turkish and Its Legacy

• Ottoman Turkish: The lingua franca of the Ottoman Empire.

• Linguistic features and influence on Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean languages.

• Modern Turkish and its Mediterranean connections.

Session 12: Modern Languages of the Mediterranean

• Overview of contemporary Mediterranean languages (Greek, Italian, Arabic, Spanish, Hebrew, etc.).

• Sociolinguistic dynamics in multilingual regions.

• Globalization and language preservation challenges.

Session 13: Conclusion and Future of Mediterranean Languages

• Summary of historical linguistic developments.

• Language endangerment and revival efforts.

• Discussion: What is the future of linguistic diversity in the Mediterranean?

Last update: Frantíková Dita, Mgr., Ph.D. (26.11.2024)