LIN3550

Second language acquisition and attrition

(ART)

To be advised

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: 12 points of Linguistics at 2nd year level + Prohibitions: GRN2135, GRN3135, GRN2130 or GRN3130, CHI2550, CHI3550, ITA2550, ITA3550, MGR3550 or SPN3550 + Students specialising in German should take GRN2130/3130

Synopsis: 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; attrition as the inverse of acquisition; activation and reactivation of language skills.

Assessment: Written research assignment (2250 words): 50% + Exam (2 hours): 40% + Class participation (equivalent 250 words): 10% Third year students will be required to answer some different questions in the test and will need to include greater theoretical depth in the essay.