GRN2135

Second language acquisition and attrition

Proposed to be offered next in 2000

H Kreutz

8 points - 3 hours per week - Clayton - First semester - Corequisites: A second-year language course at level GRN2415 or higher - Prohibited combination: LIN2550/LIN3550

Objectives Upon successful completion of the subject students should have become acquainted with theories and processes of second language acquisition; be able to utilise their knowledge of other fields of linguistics to study questions of language acquisition; have been given the opportunity to conduct empirical research to test theoretical hypotheses; be able to relate the literature to their own experience at acquiring a second language; have established a disciplinary base to build on, in the case of those students who wish to become language teachers; have been introduced to the less established field of second language attrition. Students will also gain critical reading skills; the ability to relate theory and practice; an understanding of the research literature; the ability to conduct research; the capacity to interpret data; the ability to develop an argument to its conclusion.

Synopsis This subject is taught in conjunction with the Department of Linguistics. The two-hour lecture (Department of Linguistics) will cover issues such as the distinction between language learning and acquisition; the social context of these; the relation between first, second and bilingual acquisition; interlanguage and interference; grammaticalisation phases; factors in successful second language acquisition; bilingual education; field work; attrition as the inverse of acquisition; activation and reactivation of language skills. In the tutorial (Department of German Studies and Slavic Studies) the acquisition and learning of German will be discussed. Tutorials will focus on the field of second language acquisition from a predominantly German language perspective, drawing on English and German language examples. The subject includes a discussion of theoretical and empirical issues of second language acquisition. and attrition as well as practice in research and research techniques.

Assessment Written assignments (3000 words): 40% - Class test (2 hours): 40% - Class papers: 20%

Prescribed texts

Larsen-Freeman D and M H Long An introduction to second language acquisition research Longman

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