Overview

This module focuses on multilingualism as a framework to introduce students to research methods. It covers how multilingual people and communities use languages. Students will learn about core research concepts, including identifying research areas, defining variables, and measuring linguistic, cognitive, and attitudinal factors. The module will teach students how to design and conduct linguistic case studies including how to conduct a literature review. Within a research training framework, various topics in multilingualism are explored. Students will cover topics on established dimensions of multilingualism; early versus late multilingualism; multilingualism and cognition; and implications for educational policies. Students will be given the training in how to conduct research and will collect, analyse and present their own case study data. Depending on their research topics, students will be introduced to and access department labs and specialised resources including the experimental facilities, sound attenuated booth with recording equipment.

This module focuses on multilingualism as a framework to introduce students to research methods. It covers how multilingual people and communities use languages. Students will learn about core research concepts, including identifying research areas, defining variables, and measuring linguistic, cognitive, and attitudinal factors.

Topics covered may include:

1.Research principles, methods, terms and approaches 2.Multilingual Case studies: design, data collection and analysis. 3.Dimensions of multilingualism.
4.Definitions of multilingualism.
5.Early versus late multilingualism.
6.Multilingualism and cognition.
7.Educational policies.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) 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 (C- 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

• Evaluate the issues in the research literature involved in researching multilingual individuals and populations.

• Identify the complex factors in research methodology involved in multilingual acquisition and multilingual language use across the lifespan.

• Collect, analyse and present research data for use in multilingualism case studies.

• Identify and develop knowledge of research concepts and research methods in multilingual contexts