Research Methods in Bilingualism and Multilingualism 3301-JS2924-2ST
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 and 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 methods of studying language and cognition in bilinguals and 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. Crosslinguistic similarity and its consequences for language acquisition.
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 black 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.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- K_W02. Describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic and psycholinguistic research on bilingualism and multilingualism. P7S_WG
- K_W03. Identify the essential issues, main methods and theories in research on bilingualism and multilingualism. P7S_WG
- K_W04. Characterize on an advanced level the principles of empirical research design in linguistics and psycholinguistics, with special focus on the application of methods and tools in formulating research problems, operationalising variables and testing hypotheses. P7S_WG
- K_W05. Identify ethical issues in designing studies with human participants. P7S_WK
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01. Apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to empirical studies of language acquisition. P7S_UW
- K_U03. Apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to bilingualism/multilingualism. P7S_UW, P7S_UK
- K_U05. Discern alternative methodological paradigms within a discipline. P7S_UK
- K_U07. Use modern technology in the process of learning and communicating with academic teachers and fellow participants in classes and projects, applying various channels and techniques of communication. P7S_UW, P7S_UK
- K_U08. Collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum. P7S_UO
- K_U09. Present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form. P7S_UK
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K02. Apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course to undertake professional development P7S_KK
- K_K03 . Take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings P7S_KR
- K_K04. Assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to the studies. P7S_KO
Education at language level B2+.
Assessment criteria
- attendance
- participation in discussions 30%
- presentations 40%
- oral exam 30%
2 absences are allowed.
Bibliography
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Additional information
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