2024

Language Acquisition

Name: Language Acquisition
Code: LLT14376M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area: Linguistics

Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Learning Goals

1. To understand the main theoretical paradigms of research in Language Acquisition and methodologies associated with each, evaluating those paradigms critically.
2. To understand the global conception of the Principles and Parameters Grammar, applying it in the analysis of specific cases.
3. To learn what are the acquisition stages for the distinct linguistic modules and respective interface levels (from initial to late acquisitions), exploring and comparing parametrically different languages.
4. To evaluate how data from pathology may help us learn more about the acquisition process.
5. To relate the processes of acquisition, development, and learning.
6. To use different tools to transcribe, code and analyze language acquisition corpora, with specific reference to CHILDES (cf. MacWhinney 2000).

Contents

1. The main research paradigms in Language Acquisition
1.1 Universal principles and paradigms of interlinguistic variation – exploring the Generativist Grammar.
2. Historical synopsis on methodologies: from the diary studies period (1876-1926) to our days.
3. Electronic tools for the transcription, coding and analysis of data: using the CHILDES.
4. Acquisition stages for the linguistic modules and interface levels – from initial to late acquisitions. Exploring and comparing interlinguistic data.
5. Pathologies associated with language acquisition: what they show us about the process.
6. Acquisition, development, and learning – similarities, differences, and interrelations.

Teaching Methods

Collective teaching sessions: theoretical exposition (supported by texts or other materials, including powerpoint presentations), followed by practical exploration; group works; written exercises; individual and group oral presentations.
Tutorials: project orientations; correction of works and exercises.
There are two modes of Assessment: the continuous evaluation mode includes an individual written essay (40%) and a written test (60%); exam. Students with marks between 8 and 9,4 (out of 20) in the exam will sit an oral exam.

Teaching Staff