Overview

This module provides an overview of how simultaneous bilinguals develop knowledge of the sound systems of their two languages and how that knowledge is represented in their minds.

There are three goals for this course. The first goal is to introduce students to key findings and central debates in research on bilingual acquisition of phonology. The second goal is to provide students with the tools to critically examine the existing literature, particularly with regard to explaining phenomena in bilingual phonology through theory development and evaluation. The third goal is to equip the students with the ability to appropriately frame narrow research hypotheses in view of well-known phenomena and to apply this ability to their own research. The lectures will present and discuss specific issues from current research (mostly from research articles) while also outlining open questions on the topic. In the seminars, students discuss key studies in more detail and reflect on methodologies, results and theoretical implications.

The topics will include:
1. Introduction to the acquisition of phonology in bilinguals
2. Phonological organisation in bilinguals
3. Transfer effects in phonology
4. Acceleration effects in phonology
5. The acquisition of melody and segmental content in bilinguals
6. Phonotactic effects in bilingual acquisition
7. The bilingual acquisition of syllabic structure

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (C- to C+) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: 1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Good (B- to B+) Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Excellent (A- to A*) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate different empirical studies in bilingual acquisition of phonology.

• Critically evaluate research methods commonly used in research on bilingual acquisition of phonology and select the appropriate method(s) for different purposes, including in their own research.

• Evaluate theoretical explanations in phonology, their application to bilingual acquisition, and their potential for further research.

• Summarise the central questions addressed by the current literature in the bilingual acquisition of phonology.