Language Acquisition 3223-AMMS-LA
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the current state of child linguistic, cognitive, and social development in the light of contemporary research in psycholinguistics and neurolinguistics. Serving as a general introduction to the study of both first and second language acquisition, the course offers a comprehensive overview of key theories of speech and semantic development, alongside the historical evolution of research on language acquisition and bilingualism.
Throughout the classes, the developmental characteristics of preschool children (ages 0–6) will be discussed in detail, with a focus on the chronology of sound development, phonetics, phonology, morphology, the acquisition of child vocabulary, meanings, and concepts, as well as communicative competence. Special emphasis will be placed on cognitive theories of language and the intricate links between cognitive and linguistic development. Students will explore arguments supporting the theory of language as an innate human faculty that flourishes through interaction with the environment.
Furthermore, the course content will familiarize students with aspects and issues surrounding societal diversity, including socio-linguistic factors, ethnicity, and gender-related attitudes. The module provides a comprehensive overview of relevant dimensions of bilingual and multilingual acquisition in both children and adults. This encompasses the study of children acquiring minority or heritage languages, as well as instances of adults "forgetting" their native tongue (first language attrition). Finally, various factors influencing the acquisition process—such as age, language environment, cognitive functions, social context, motivation, and aptitude—will be thoroughly discussed.
The following topics are addressed, among others:
1. Child linguistic, cognitive, and social development. The history of child language acquisition research.
2. Theories of speech development.
3. Developmental characteristics of preschool children:
4. Phonetics and phonology. Chronology of sound development;
5. Morphology;
6. Vocabulary development. The development of children's meanings and concepts. Theories of semantic development;
7. Communicative competence.
8. Age as a factor in second language acquisition.
9. Bilingualism and linguistic development.
10. Bilingualism and cognitive development.
11. Socio-psychological factors in second language acquisition.
12. L3 acquisition and multilingual development
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2026Z: |
Type of course
Mode
Assessment criteria
Attendance: Attendance at classes is required; a maximum of two unexcused absences is permitted.
Make-up assignments for absences: In the event of an absence, students may complete additional tasks via the Google Classroom platform. Important: Submitting the make-up task(s) within the designated deadline will excuse the absence. Failure to complete the assigned tasks on time will result in the absence being counted toward the limit of two permitted unexcused absences.
Assessment tasks:
· Active participation in class discussions (35%),
· An oral presentation on a chosen topic relevant to the course themes. Students are responsible for proposing their own topics, which must be approved by the course instructor (65%).
Important: Credit for the task may be awarded only if the student has not exceeded the limit of two unexcused absences.