Unit Descriptions

Introduction to Literacyon campusonline

Examines various understandings of literacy and explores notions of how to develop appropriate literacy programs and instructional materials for the developing reader in minority language contexts.

Introduction to Phonologyon campus

Explores the analysis and description of sound systems of languages. Introduces the factors which affect orthography design and models how to involve communities in the design process. (Prerequisite: Phonetics. Corequisites: Intro to Literacy, Intro to Sociolinguistics or equivalent)

Introduction to Sociolinguisticson campusonline

Identifies and assesses social and linguistic factors which influence the planning, implementation and evaluation of a language development program.

Language Program Managementonline

Designed to equip language project workers with necessary project management knowledge and skills for achieving the goals of a Bible Translation or other language development project. The units address theoretical and theological frameworks, planning, project design, monitoring and evaluation, partnering and working in a multicultural community, along with many other important LPM topics. Anyone involved in managing a language project, coordinating project activities or providing leadership to a group of language projects would benefit from studying in this unit.

Linguistic Field Methodson campus

Provides the knowledge and skills to collect and manage a corpus of language data which can then be used for multiple purposes, including translation, linguistic analysis, and dictionary making. (A unit in morphology and syntax is highly desirable).

Linguistics and Language Learningon campusintensive

Explores approaches to language learning and introduces several strategies for the initial stages of learning a language. Introduces articulatory phonetics and gives practice in production and description of many sounds of the world’s languages. Exposes students to basic linguistic analysis terms and tools. These three aspects combine to assist the learner to communicate effectively and appropriately in cross-cultural ministry situations.

Literacy and Multilingual Education on campusonline

Enables students to understand various theories of literacy acquisition and apply them in minority language contexts. Examines global issues that may affect literacy and education programs in those communities. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Literacy)

Literacy Materials on campusonline

Applies literacy education theories to the development of curriculum, materials and lesson plans for emergent readers. (Prerequisite: Introduction to Literacy. Corequisite: Literacy and Multilingual Education)

Principles and Practices of Translation online

Enables students to understand the general principles and practices of translating the Bible and other texts so they can help community translators identify and resolve issues in translating into their own or another language. (Prerequisite: Normally a unit in introductory linguistics. A unit in exegetical methods is recommended.)

Scripture Engagementonline

Introduces Scripture Engagement, an approach that draws on anthropological perspectives, a knowledge of a variety of media, and different methods of contextualisation to make the locally translated Christian Scriptures available and accessible to people of all nations and languages.

Semantics and Discourseon campus

Explores the relationship between language and meaning. Discusses semantic theory and provides a method for analysing and interpreting texts to determine what the speaker/writer intended to communicate and what the hearer/reader understood. (Prerequisite: Structure of Languages).

Structure of Languageson campus

Analyses and describes morphological and syntactic structures of languages. (Prerequisite: Language Awareness).

Training for Transformational Development on campusintensive

Discusses current theories of learning, training and mentoring relevant to adult education in intercultural contexts. Explores how these theories could be applied in language development projects in minority language contexts. Discusses and models how to work on a language development project team to design a strategic plan for a particular community. (Prerequisites: Cultural Anthropology)