LIN3550

Second Language Acquisition and Attrition ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Julie Bradshaw

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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.

Objectives: As for LIN2550 and in addition a more in-depth critical appreciation of the theoretical underpinnings of second language acquisition and the research literature.

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.

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: A second-year sequence in Linguistics.

Prohibitions: GRN2135, GRN3135, GRN2130 or GRN3130, CHI2550, CHI3550, ITA2550, ITA3550, MGR3550 or SPN3550