Accessibility statement

Phonological Development - LAN00085M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

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 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Within University policy.

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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.