Second Language Acquisition

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The main characteristics and stages of L2 development,
• A range of current theoretical perspectives on language learning, and indicative supporting evidence for them,
• Key constructs in SLA theory,
• Factors affecting the language acquisition process.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Relate knowledge of theoretical concepts in linguistics to empirical data,
• Plan and implement an empirical investigation using linguistic data;
• Apply knowledge, understanding and critical analysis to theoretical concepts and proposals.
• Describe and critically evaluate a range of language acquisition theories;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Formulate a research question and implement a project to investigate it,
• Analyse datasets systematically and extract results,
• Make use of libraries, corpora and online resources to access relevant information,
• Communicate your ideas clearly both in writing and in oral communication,
• Plan and organize your independent learning, using initiative and efficiency.

First language acquisition, bilingual acquisition, and the implications of first language acquisition research for the study of SLA.

Second language acquisition. Particular attention will be paid to the following issues:

• key concepts and research methods used to study second language acquisition
• the nature of interlanguage and L2 developmental sequences
• similarities and differences between first and second language acquisition
• the role in SLA played by Universal Grammar
• the role in SLA played by linguistic input and experience
• the role played by cognitive mechanisms
• the role played by social factors

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Assignment tutorials
• Virtual learning environment (Blackboard)

Learning activities include

• Individual study and research
• Group discussion and problem-solving (in seminars)
• Designing and managing a project
• Accessing online resources (e.g. learner corpora).

Innovative or special features of this module

• Data analysis task using learner corpus data

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Slabakova, Leal, Dudley, Stack (2020). Generative Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Roumyana Slabakova (2016). Second Language Acquisition. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

VanPatten, B and Williams, J (2007). Theories in Second Language Acquisition. Lawrence Erlbaum..

Mitchell, R and Myles, F (2019). Second Language Learning Theories. Routledge.

Spada, N and Lightbown, P (2006). How Languages are Learned.. OUP.

Assessment strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback

Discussing draft reports and essays with the tutor

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External