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Language Processing - LAN00099M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Nino Grillo
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary

This module provides an introduction to the study of language as a product of the mind. The module introduces fundamental concepts in cognitive science through the lens of experimental work on language comprehension and production at different levels of representation, from sound to meaning. This hands-on approach to experimental work in psycholinguistics will serve to introduce different theories of language processing and provide foundational concepts allowing students to scaffold what they learned in theoretical modules into a broader conceptual structure.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

Language provides a unique window into the human mind. By referring to a variety of experimental methods and results we aim to model the mental processes that allow us to convert a continuous stream of sound waves into meaning, breaking it down into smaller parts (phonemes, words) which are then grouped together in more complex representations (phrases, sentences) and meanings.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should:

  • Have a good understanding of key issues in psycholinguistics
  • Be familiar with methods in psycholinguistic research
  • Be familiar with major results in the areas of psycholinguistics covered
  • Be able to critically evaluate some of the issues involved in psycholinguistics

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 the application of data management skills. This module allows you to develop skills in understanding and interpreting specific sets of data, in a theoretical context.

Module content

The module will provide a broad introduction to the study of language as a cognitive science. It will focus on different levels of representation and processing (speech, words, sentences, discourse) and summarise relevant evidence from the experimental literature (including illusions, production errors, slips of the tongue/ear, comprehension errors, Reaction Times and eye movements)


The module will cover a selection of the following areas:

  • Speech and phonological processing
  • Lexical Access
  • Morphological Processing
  • Syntactic Processing
  • Semantic Processing
  • Discourse Processing
  • Prosodic Processing
  • Experimental methods in psycholinguistics

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Psycholinguistics summative 1		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Psycholinguistics final exam		 23.98 hours 60

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

• Weekly formative exercises (group level feedback)
• Research participation (may be completed at any time during the semester)
• Summative exercises issues on Thursday of Week 7 to submit on Thursday of Week 8

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Psycholinguistics summative 1		 N/A 40
Online Exam - 24 hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Psycholinguistics final exam		 23.98 hours 60

Module feedback

• Weekly group level feedback on formative exercises will be provided at the seminar
• Feedback for summative assignment will be provided in Week 11
• Feedback for final exam will be provided 25 working days after the exam

Indicative reading

A reading pack will be provided and supplemented by handouts that summarise lecture topics not covered in the reading pack.


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.