Paper details:
Please write a 1000-word essay on one of the following topics:
1) How do you think the fault-line between sense and connotation is useful in humour? (Semantik)
or
Discuss the use of homophones in jokes. (Lexikologie)
2) Wortbildung:
Imagine a futuristic world with 3 new gadgets we do not currently have. Describe the new gadgets and what they do. Following the conventions of Wortbildung as studied in this course, invent names in German for these gadgets and make up verbs, adjectives and adverbs derived from these new nouns. Write a short paragraph incorporating your new vocabulary.
3) Lexikologie:
Consider the origins of synonyms in English. Why might they be more prevalent than in German?
4) Soziolinguistik:
Define the term “Jugendsprache”. Why do young people develop their own way of talking? Discuss the social functions of this dialect. Give examples of “Jugendsprache” in your own environment (English or German) and comment on them.
5) Phonetik:
What are the adaptations that modern humans have for speech and language? You should consider how these adaptations support speech and language, and what problems they create for us.
You may use lecture material, assigned videos and any relevant readings but please note any resources you have used in your bibliography.