The course is about the nature of language, its origin and development. It is designed to introduce students to
general concepts of language and linguistics. The course is organized in a ‘bottom-up’ fashion - from smallest to
largest segments of language by starting with an Introductory to Language, moving through sound, word, and
ending with sentence. Aspects of language origin and design will be examined as well as cross linguistic language
typologies. Topics on Pidgin and Creole as well as Child Language Development will be explored.
The course serves as an introduction to and overview of the various systems of the English, Somali, and Arabic
languages. The course will begin with a brief overview of the origins and variations of English, Somali, Arabic, and
their historical evolution. Next, it will examine the fundamental systems of the English, Somali, Arabic languages,
including their sounds (phonetics and phonology), words (morphology, vocabulary, lexicon), sentences (grammar
systems and syntax), and language in use in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The units of the course will
address language from a holistic perspective to observe the systems of English in-action (discourse). During the
course, candidates will have the opportunity to compare the systems of English, Somali, and Arabic to those of
other languages in order to identify similar and contrasting features and areas of challenge for language learners.
Through this course, participants will acquire background knowledge of the English, Somali, Arabic language
systems in order to better guide English, Somali, and Arabic language learners.
| Program | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of English - Somali - Arabic | 3 Years |
To be eligible for admission into the Ilays University undergraduate programs, applicants must meet the following criteria: