Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition (Level 6)

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Convenor and tutor: Professor Jean-Marc Dewaele
• Assessment: a 3500-word essay (100%)

At the heart of this module is the observation that the starting second language learner is an emergent bilingual, and that bilinguals are in a constant state of change. Languages can be acquired and forgotten, both driven by - or driving - social, cultural, emotional and psychological issues. As such, second language acquisition (SLA) is not just a cognitive enterprise, it is a journey that involves the mind and heart of the bilingual.

In this module, we will consider a number of interesting methodological and theoretical debates and up-to-date research findings on the processes, developmental patterns and factors underlying bilingualism and SLA. First, we will focus on bilingualism issues, namely the process of becoming bi- or multilingual, from birth or later in life. We will consider the cognitive and psychological consequences of bilingualism, as well as the sociopragmatic challenges in communicating emotions in a second language. Second, we will focus on second and foreign language acquisition, namely the development of linguistic competence and the factors that contribute to success.

The assignment will be a self-reflection on your own experiences as a bi- or multilingual and your experiences as a foreign language learner. The ultimate goal of this module is to give you a broad understanding of research in the field.

Indicative syllabus

• From emergent bilingual to balanced bilingual
• Trilingual first language acquisition: a case study
• Bilingualism and emotions
• Bilingualism: the cognitive consequences
• Bilingualism: the psychological consequences
• Introduction to second language acquisition (SLA)
• The age effect in SLA
• Individual differences in SLA
• Motivation in SLA
• Emotions in SLA

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• explain what is currently known about language acquisition from research, how we have come to know it, and what still needs to be investigated
• accurately evaluate popular ideas about bilingualism and second language acquisition
• develop informed expectations for language learning and training
• answer your own questions about bilingualism and second language acquisition, frame new questions in the light of current research, and move toward research projects of your own
• critically evaluate research on the topic and develop ideas for research projects.