Introduction to language acquisition

Aims

The aim of this module is to:

Provide an overview of child first language acquisition
Introduce at least one other topic in language acquisition from among the following: second language acquisition, language acquisition in special populations, psycholinguistics
Introduce overarching issues in linguistic theory, in the form of competing explanations of language acquisition patterns
Provide consolidation of Year 1 syntax and phonology skills through application of these skills to language acquisition data
Develop generic research skills and writing skills through student presentations

By the end of the module the student should:

Have knowledge of the general course of child language acquisition and of key issues in one other topic in language acquisition
Have knowledge of the key issues in the addtional topic or topics covered on the course (from among second language acquisition, language in special populations, and psycholinguistics)
Be able to illustrate theoretical debates with specific examples from the acquisition of syntax and phonology
Gain experience in working in a team to complete a small research project and present the findings