Psycholinguistic and Sociolinguistic Aspects of Multilingualism 3223-AMMS-PSA
The course aims to prepare students to understand how the phenomenon of multilingualism (i.e. the coexistence of two or more languages in the mind) can be studied empirically. It will familiarize students with current knowledge concerning transfer and crosslinguistic influence (CLI), the role of cross-linguistic similarity and metalinguistic knowledge in multilingual language learning, the mental consequences of bilingualism, the bilingual mental lexicon and cognate facilitation effects, the cognitive and linguistic consequences of childhood bilingualism/multilingualism, including the widely debated “bilingual advantage”. Through an analysis and discussion of linguistic and psycholinguistic empirical studies it will provide students with an understanding of the specificity of research involving multilinguals. The course is predominantly intended to deepen students' knowledge of quantitative empirical research methodology. It will also support students in their ability to synthesize knowledge, define interesting research problems, understand research design and statistical analysis of research findings. It will acquaint students with various psycholinguistic paradigms and methods of studying language and cognition in bilinguals/multilinguals. The course will also broaden students' skills in presenting and discussing empirical research results.
Topics
1. Introduction: Who is a monolingual and a bilingual? Multilingualism and plurilingualism: same or different from bilingualism?
2. The linguistic consequences of bilingualism/multilingualism: transfer and crosslinguistic influence (CLI). Crosslinguistic similarity and its consequences for language acquisition. Lexical crosslinguistic similarity: cognates, internationalisms and false friends
3. Linguistic approaches to bilingualism/multilingualism. Qualitative vs. quantitative studies of multilinguals: how do they differ?
4-5. The more multilingual the better? The role of cross-linguistic similarity and metalinguistic knowledge in multilingual language learning. Correlational studies, group comparisons and experiments in multilingualism research.
6. The psycholinguistics of multilingualism. The back box phenomenon. How to study language in the mind? Within-subject experiments.
7-8 The mental consequences of bilingualism. The bilingual mental lexicon and cognate facilitation effects.
9. The mental consequences of bilingualism: Does multilingualism change our minds and the way we see the world?
10. How to carry out research on multilingual children? Variable operationalization and variable control in research on bilingual/multilingual child development.
11-12. Cognitive and linguistic consequences of childhood bilingualism/multilingualism. What is the “bilingual advantage”?
13. Current debates on bilingual/multilingual advantage: Is there a multilingual boost in language learning? Does it affect cognitive and metacognitive skills?
14. Summary.
15. Exam
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:
-at an advanced level conceptual and terminological apparatus in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level main directions of development and the most important achievements in the area of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level contemporary research trends in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-the latest research methodology used in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology
Skills: the graduate is able to:
-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)
-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources
-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods
-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions
-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism
-independently develop and give an oral presentation on a selected topic in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism using source literature
-formulate, analyse and synthesise research problems in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism and select adequate methods and tools to solve these problems, present the developed issues using various forms and methods
-work independently and in a group to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-use the English language in speech and writing compliant with the requirements set out for the B2+ level according to CEFR
Social competences: the graduate is ready to:
-recognise the importance of knowledge and seek expert advice when problems arise
-critically assess knowledge and skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
Assessment criteria
Active participation (discussions and tasks): 30%
Assignment (paper presentation): 40%
Final exam: 30%
Bibliography
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Additional information
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