LIN3550 - Second Language Acquisition and Attrition

Leader: Dr Julie Bradshaw

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2008 (Day)

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