This module will provide an overview of phonetic and phonological development, with an emphasis on the first two years of life. Through a combination of lectures, reading and practical sessions students will become acquainted with the findings of both observational and experimental studies of infant speech perception, distributional learning, segmentation and production and the transition from babbling to speech. The mechanisms of learning and development in this period will be particularly emphasized, and key theories will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to consider specific aspects of phonological development in depth through presentations in small groups.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module the student should:
have a good understanding of the relationship of babbling to early word learning
have understanding of the place of language learning in overall development in the first two years
be able to identify patterning in the early words of children learning any language with which he/she is familiar
have an understanding of the difference between explicit and implicit learning and the relationship of each to advances in speech perception, vocal production and word learning.
be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved in the development of phonology
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Essay/coursework
40
Open Examination
60
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Open Examination
100
Module feedback
Written feedback and mark on University scale within 20 working days of submission.
Indicative reading
Vihman, M. M. (2014) Phonological Development: The first two years. (2nd ed.) Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Additional papers will be assigned each week; copies of papers will be made available on the VLE.