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Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition (Level 7)

Overview

Module description

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 second language acquisition (SLA).

Indicative module 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

Learning objectives

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.