Phonological development

Aims

Aims

This module provides an overview of phonetic and phonological development, with an emphasis on the first two years of life. Through a combination of lectures, reading and practical sessions the student becomes acquainted with the findings of  both observational and experimental studies of infant speech perception and production and the transition from babbling to speech. We also consider data from late talkers, viewed from the point of view of phonological learning, and we look at phonological advances at age 3-4. Some of the main theoretical approaches to phonological development are considered.

This module will be capped at 30.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed:

•  L219 Introduction to phonetics and phonology (4190219)

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

Three hours per week, including 2 hours lecture and 1 hour seminar.

Teaching programme

Classes will be split between lectures and practical sessions. In some weeks practical sessions will involve a discussion of readings and in others we will consider child data. 

Teaching materials

• Vihman, M. M. (1996). Phonological Development. Oxford: Blackwell.
• Vihman, M. M. and Gathercole, V. M. (in prep.) Language Development. [Chapters from this book in preparation will be made available for students in this module.]

Additional papers will be assigned each week; they will be made available in the form of a pack of copies at the beginning of term.

Assessment and feedback

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on formative work

• Five formative essays, up to 500 words; assigned in weeks 3, 4, 5, 7, 8; returned within one week with feedback

Summative assessment and feedback

• Portfolio of 3 essays for summative assessment (end of term)
  • Weight: 25%
• A two-hour exam, with choice of 2 out of 5 essays + data analysis with guideline questions
  • Weight: 75%

Skills

Transferable skills developed in this module

All modules provide an opportunity to work on general oral/written communication skills (in class and in assessments) and general self management (organising your studies), alongside the specific skills in language or linguistics that the module teaches.

In addition, this module will allow you to particularly develop skills in written communication, which is a special focus of this module, as five essays are required over the course of the eight weeks. Feedback and a mark is provided for each of these formative essays within a week of submission. Written communication will feature in virtually any future work you may want to do; this module will give you a chance to practice expressing yourself clearly, efficiently and persuasively while documenting the evidence on which you base your statements.

Follow this link to hear how past students use transferable skills from their degree in their current jobs.