Department of Theoretical and Applied Linguistics

The Celtic Pathway in the MPhil in Linguistics

The Celtic pathway allows students to specialise in the linguistics of the Celtic languages in the context of general theoretical linguistics. It aims to give students the research skills and necessary intellectual background in Celtic and general linguistics to allow them to pursue independent research on Celtic linguistics. Within the Linguistics department, Celtic linguistics is taught by the two members of the department with research interests in Celtic linguistics, Dr David Willis and Prof Ian Roberts. We are also fortunate in being able to draw on the expertise of members of the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, in particular, Dr Paul Russell and Dr Máire Ní Mhaonaigh. Applicants should have a working knowledge of at least one Celtic language.

In the first (Michaelmas) term, students doing the Celtic pathway are expected to follow four lecture courses or three lecture courses and a course of directed reading. At least one of these must be in an area of general linguistics. They also participate in the general elements followed by all students doing the MPhil. in Linguistics (seminars in Linguistic Theory and Research Methods). Students are encouraged to maintain broad interests in both Celtic linguistics and theoretical linguistics by combining a range of courses from both areas. The following courses in Celtic linguistics will normally be available:

• Middle Welsh
• Old Irish
• Celtic Philology
• Cornish
• *History and structure of the Welsh language (directed reading)
• *Syntax of the modern Celtic languages (directed reading)
• *History and structure of the Breton language (direct reading)

* Normally only one of these courses (by agreement between staff and students) will be available in any one year.

Other Celtic courses may be available by arrangement with the lecturers concerned. The list of courses in general linguistics can be found on the main page of the MPhil. in Linguistics. Assessed essays are written in three of these areas. Of these, one should be in general linguistics, two in Celtic linguistics.

In the second (Lent) term, students must participate in the seminar 'Topics in Celtic linguistics', plus one (or optionally two) seminars in general linguistics. The seminar in general linguistics should normally continue one of the areas studied in Michaelmas Term. During this term, students begin work on their dissertation. This can be on any aspect of the linguistics of a Celtic language or languages, but topics that interact with the research interests of the teaching staff are particularly welcome.

Further enquiries about the Celtic pathway should be directed to Dr David Willis.

For details of work for assessment and Regulations please see MPhil in Linguistics main page.