Kate Lindsey

Assistant Professor of Linguistics
 Kate Lindsey
Email: klindsey@bu.edu
Web: https://katelynnlindsey.weebly.com
Web: http://ling.bu.edu/people/lindsey
Office phone: 617-358-4148
Office number: Linguistics 113
Office address: Linguistics Department, 621 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
Office hours: Spring 2020: W 2:30-5:30; or by appointment

BA, The American University
PhD, Stanford University

Prof. Lindsey's research has both theoretical and documentary applications. Her theoretical work focuses on the analysis of underspecification and variation in phonological systems supported primarily by field data from underdocumented/understudied languages. Her dissertation utilized original data from eleven months of fieldwork with Ende speakers of Limol village, Papua New Guinea to explore the interaction of so-called ghost elements pervasive in Ende phonology. Current research projects include extended fieldwork in the South Fly area of PNG to support the first reference grammar of Ende, a typological study of the Pahoturi River language family, and theoretical analyses of vowel harmony and phonological reduplication.

Courses

Fall 2020 (tentative)
Course number Course title Section Instructor Days Time Room

CAS LX 250

Introduction to Linguistics

 A1 Lindsey TR 12:30-1:45 TBA
Study of the fundamental properties that all languages share, and of how languages differ, with respect to structure (sound system, word formation, syntax), expression of meaning, acquisition, variation, and change; cultural and artistic uses of languages; comparison of oral, written, and signed languages. [Prereq: none]
  • Students signing up for CAS LX 250 A1 should also sign up for one of the Friday discussion sections.
  • Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
    • Scientific Inquiry I
    • Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
    • Critical Thinking

GRS LX 601

Phonetics & Phonology: Introduction to Sound Systems

 A1 Lindsey TR 2-3:15 TBA
Introduction to the nature and patterning of sounds in human language. Presents articulatory and acoustic phonetics, and basic phonological analysis, focusing on cross-language typology and comparison. Hands-on development of practical skills, including IPA transcription, field techniques, and digital speech analysis.

Starting in Fall 2020, undergraduates enrolled in CAS LX 301 A1 will also need to register for one of the discussion sections, S1, S2, or S3.

[Prereq: CAS LX 250 Introduction to Linguistics or consent of instructor.
Please note that this course cannot be taken for credit towards the MA or PhD program in Linguistics.]
[Meets with CAS LX 301; Also offered as MET LX 501; Previously offered as CAS LX 510 "Phonetics"]
  • Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
    • Scientific Inquiry II
    • Quantitative Reasoning I
    • Critical Thinking

Spring 2021 (tentative)
Course number Course title Section Instructor Days Time Room

GRS LX 691

Linguistic Field Methods

 A1 Lindsey MWF 9:05-9:55 TBA
An in-depth investigation of the phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and lexicon of an African or other non-Indo-European language. Weekly sessions with language consultant. [Prereq: CAS LX 250 Introduction to Linguistics or consent of instructor.]
[Meets with CAS LX 391; Also offered as MET LX 591; Previously offered as CAS LX 501 "Linguistic Field Methods"]
  • Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS.
  • Starting in Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
    • Ethical Reasoning
    • Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
    • Teamwork & Collaboration

GRS LX 703

Phonological Analysis

 A1 Lindsey MWF 12:20-1:10 TBA
Survey of phonological theory and analysis, with focus on crosslinguistic typology of phonological systems. Phonological reasoning and argumentation skills are developed. Empirical coverage includes contrast, distinctive features, rules and constraints, opacity, tone, syllabification, stress, and interactions with morphology and syntax. [Prereq: CAS LX 301/ GRS LX 601 (or CAS LX 510) or consent of instructor.]
[Meets with CAS LX 403; Previously offered as CAS LX 513 "Phonology"]