Principles in Second Language Acquisition (Summer Term 2023)

271435-S02

Tuesdays, 15:30 - 17:00 in W/035

Content:

Language is a complex and intriguing phenomenon, arguably unique to humans and certainly at the heart of our success as a species. In this course, we explore the role of nature and nurture in language learning, the leading models used to explain the processes of language acquisition, some applications of the theories and some unfolding perspectives wrought by the prominence of technology in our daily lives. The aim of this course is to broaden your knowledge on how we acquire language; specifically, how (language) learners acquire a second language (L2). In this class, we will compare the prevalent SLA theories, discuss how L2 learners acquire different elements of language (such as vocabulary, grammar and syntax), and also how certain factors – for example age, motivation, or the first language – may interfere with or facilitate the process of second language acquisition. In addition, we will explore how digital tools and technologies (such as language-learning apps or AI) are used in SLA.