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Phonological Development - LAN00024H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Catherine Laing
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22

Module aims

This module will provide 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 students will become acquainted with the findings of both observational and experimental studies of infant speech perception, distributional learning, segmentation and production and the transition from babbling to speech. The mechanisms of learning and development in this period will be particularly emphasized, and key theories will be explored. Students will have the opportunity to consider specific aspects of phonological development in depth through presentations in small groups.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the module the student should:

  • have a good understanding of the relationship of babbling to early word learning
  • have understanding of the place of language learning in overall development in the first two years
  • be able to identify patterning in the early words of children learning any language with which he/she is familiar
  • have an understanding of the difference between explicit and implicit learning and the relationship of each to advances in speech perception, vocal production and word learning.
  • be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved in the development of phonology

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Reports		 N/A 40
Open Exam (5 days)
Phonological Development		 N/A 60

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Open Exam (5 days)
Reassessment: Phonological Development		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback and mark on University scale within 20 working days of submission.

Indicative reading

Vihman, M. M. (2014) Phonological Development: The first two years. (2nd ed.) Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Additional papers will be assigned each week; copies of papers will be made available on the VLE.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.