Aims

Aims

This module will provide a review of bilingual development. Some of the issues to be considered are:

• Differences between child and adult bilingualism and between simultaneous and sequential bilingualism in childhood
• The controversy over one system vs. two in simultaneous bilingual acquisition
• The relation between bilingualism and intelligence or cognitive processing
• Code-switching in children vs. adults
• Aspects of bilingual education

Through a combination of lectures and readings, you will become acquainted with the findings of both case studies and group studies of bilingual children. The main theoretical issues debated in both the popular press and the scientific literature will be considered. By the end of the course you should have a good understanding of the complex questions surrounding child bilingualism and be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

None.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Three hours per week.

Teaching programme

Classes will be split between lectures and discussion sessions, with the latter based on readings to be assigned each week or on data analysis.

Teaching materials

• A photocopy pack will be available for purchase from the Departmental Office.
• Bialystok, E. (2001) Bilingualism in Development: Language, Literacy, and Cognition (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
  

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback 

Assessment and feedback

• A short paper (2000 words) will be assigned, to be submitted at the beginning of Week 7. This essay will involve analysis of child bilingual data to be taken from the CHILDES databank or other published sources.
  • Weight: 40%
  • Feedback: mark on University scale and written feedback on the essay returned in class within 2-3 weeks.
• An open examination: The exam will be distributed on Monday of Week 1, Term 3 and must be submitted, typed, on Friday of Week 1. It will include essay questions, with some choice; the questions will be designed to cover issues and readings discussed in lectures and seminars and will emphasize integration of ideas across the module. There will be a strict page limit but open access to papers and notes.
  • Weight: 60%
  • Feedback: students will be entitled to see their exam script with comments made on it, under supervision, on an appointed date after week 6 of term 3.