See module specification for other years:
2023-242024-25
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Autumn Term 2022-23
Module aims
We are living in an increasingly international society in which bilingualism and communicating in a non-native language are becoming the norm rather than an exception. This course considers the cognitive mechanisms underlying bilingual language use. We will review how bilinguals understand and speak two languages as well as how and why bilinguals switch between their languages. We will also discuss if and why there might be a critical period for second language acquisition. Lastly, we will consider if and how bilingualism might interact with other domains, including executive functions and decision making. Throughout the module we will consider how these different topics might relate to individual differences between bilinguals.
Module learning outcomes
Understand the methods researchers use to study bilingual language processing and production
Describe issues related to measuring and defining bilingualism
Evaluate evidence for and against a critical period in second language acquisition
Discuss theories on how bilinguals use and understand multiple languages
Identify why and how bilinguals switch between their languages
Evaluate evidence relating to the potential link between bilingualism and cognitive functioning
Understand why bilingualism might interact with decision making and moral dilemmas
Module content
Definitions of bilingualism and individual differences between bilinguals
Second language acquisition
Bilingual language comprehension
Bilingual language production
Language switching
Bilingualism and cognitive functioning
Bilingualism and decision making
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
100
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task
% of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
100
Module feedback
The marks on all assessed work will be provided on e-vision.
Indicative reading
De Bruin, A. (2019). Not all bilinguals are the same: A call for more detailed assessments and descriptions of bilingual experiences. Behavioral Sciences, 9(3), 33.
Declerck, M., & Philipp, A. M. (2015). A review of control processes and their locus in language switching. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 22(6), 1630-1645.
Lehtonen, M., Soveri, A., Laine, A., Järvenpää, J., de Bruin, A., & Antfolk, J. (2018). Is bilingualism associated with enhanced executive functioning in adults? A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 144(4), 394-425.