This module will provide a review of bilingual development, from childhood to adulthood. Some of the issues to be considered are:
Through a combination of lectures and readings, you will become acquainted with the findings of both case studies and group studies of bilingual children and adults (but the module will not focus specifically on L2 acquisition). The main theoretical issues debated in both the popular press and the scientific literature will be considered. By the end of the course you should have a good understanding of the complex questions surrounding bilingualism and be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved.
Note that a Research Extension module can be taken alongside this module, for students who wish to write a dissertation.
This module will be capped at 35.
Information for visiting students: Students are expected to have some experience with data analysis, whether in phonology or morphosyntax.
Spring term
Two hours per week, of which:
Summer term
Spring term: | |
Weeks 2-5 | Introduction to bilingualism, language development and code switching, and familiarization with bilingual language through case study papers and data analysis. |
Weeks 7-10 | Psycholinguistic and educational aspects of bilingualism. |
Summer term: | |
Weeks 1-4 | Engaging with issues in bilingualism: Group discussions and student presentation of papers. |
A photocopy pack will be available for purchase.
All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.
In addition, this module provides ample scope for the development of skills in creativity and innovation, in the open-topic data-based essay that you will write over the spring break. You will each choose a bilingual speaker’s dataset and analyse it from a perspective of your own choice. The opportunity to set your own question and find a way to answer it draws on the kind of creativity that will stand you in very good stead in the employment marketplace.
Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.
About this module
- Module name
Bilingualism- Course code
L25H (LAN00025H)- Teacher
Tamar Keren-Portnoy
Marilyn Vihman- Term(s) taught
Spring-Summer- Credits
20