Second Language Acquisition

Module overview

This module provides an insight into the cognitive processes involved in the acquisition of language. Different theories of first and second language acquisition will be examined and critically assessed in the light of empirical evidence. Various factors affecting this acquisition, such as individual linguistic experience, language exposure, cognitive mechanisms and principles and Universal Grammar, will be discussed with a view of understanding how they affect the acquisition process.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

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

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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Learning and Teaching

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

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	128
Teaching	22
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

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

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

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

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

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

Assessment

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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Reflective essay	50%
Data Analysis	50%

Referral

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

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Data Analysis	50%
Reflective essay	50%

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.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Data Analysis	50%
Reflective essay	50%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External