This module will provide a review of bilingual development. Some of the issues to be considered are:
the controversy over one system vs. two in simultaneous bilingual acquisition
the relation between bilingualism and cognitive processing
code-switching in children and in adults
the dynamic nature of bilingualism over the lifespan
Through a combination of lectures, readings and student presentations you will become acquainted with the findings of both individual case studies and group studies of bilingual children. We will consider some of the main theoretical issues involved. By the end of the module you should have a good understanding of the variability in bilingual development and language use and of the complex, often controversial questions surrounding cognitive and linguistic aspects of bilingualism, and you should have gained the ability to critically evaluate some of the issues involved.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the module the student should:
be familiar with the findings of both case studies and group studies of bilingual children and adults
have a good understanding of the complex questions surrounding bilingualism
be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved in bilingualism research
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
60
Open Exam (7-day week) Open Exam
N/A
40
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay
N/A
60
Open Exam (7-day week) Open Exam
N/A
40
Module feedback
Written feedback and mark on University scale within 20 working days of submission.