Second Language Acquisition - Einzelansicht

This course provides an overview of current issues and controversies in second language (L2) acquisition research, focusing on generative approaches to the L2 acquisition of grammar. Specific questions to be addressed include: What are the similarities and differences between child first language (L1) and adult L2 acquisition of grammar, and between early and late bilinguals? How do L2 learners acquire the morphology and syntax of the target language? What aspects of grammar are particularly difficult for L2 learners to acquire, and why? What is special about L3 acquisition? How and to what extent do properties of learners’ first language influence the development of L2/L3 grammatical competence? We will also take a look at first language attrition in ‘heritage’ speakers.

SUGGESTED PRELIMINARY READING
Slabakova, R. (2013). Adult second language acquisition: a selective overview with a focus on the learner linguistic system. Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism 3, 48-72.

This course presupposes a solid grounding in grammatical theory and description.

This course is suitable for postgraduate (Masters) students.