LG507-7-AU-CO:
Language Attrition
2020/21
Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 08 October 2020
Friday 18 December 2020
15
04 June 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
Investigations of bilingualism usually focus on the development of the second language (L2) and the way in which the pre-existing native language (L1) impacts on this process. In this module it will be shown that there is as much to be gained in terms of the understanding of the human language capacity by the changes that take place in the first language of speakers who become bilingual. In the first instance, theoretical models of language and language learning will be considered, and it will be discussed what predictions they make for language attrition. Secondly, we will focus on changes and developments that can be seen at different levels of language (phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics) and to what extent extralinguistic factors, such as the age at which the speaker became bilingual or the amount of use s/he makes of the L1, can impact on the degree of attrition. We will then consider different research designs and elicitation strategies that are commonly used in language attrition research and show to what extent they are suitable for revealing the subtle processes that govern attrition.
The first half of this module will familiarize students with current research on language attrition. In the second half, we will focus on the research methods, experiments and designs commonly employed to study this topic. We will give consideration to how to arrive at specific research questions relating to attrition and how to find the best way to answer them.
The module will give students an understanding of the kinds of changes that may happen in the first language of a bilingual as well as the factors which may accelerate or delay this process.
By the end of this module you will have an understanding of the way in which bilingual development and the acquisition of a new language can trigger often subtle changes to the native language. You will know
- how to study these effects
- what kinds of data to investigate for attrition at different levels of language processing and language use
- what experimental designs are appropriate to study different types of attrition effects
You will conduct a small-scale case study on data from a language attriter and present this in class. You will also design and describe a possible research project on a study of language attrition and present this by means of an in-class presentation and a project description (3,000 words).
The module will be assessed through three pieces of coursework:
1. in-class report of case study (10 min), powerpoint and summary to be submitted through FASER.
Learning Outcome: understanding how bilingualism can change the native language and how to study these effects
2. in-class presentation (10 min), powerpoint to be submitted through FASER. Learning outcome: understanding of how to design and present a research project suitable for a PhD investigation
3. project proposal (3,000 words) for a study of language attrition
Learning Outcome: understand
• how to study attrition
• what kinds of data to investigate for attrition at different levels of language processing and language use
• what experimental designs are appropriate to study different types of attrition effects
No additional information available.
A two-hour class each week. In weeks 6 and 10 students will give a presentation.
- Schmid, Monika S.; Köpke, Barbara. (2017-12-31) 'The relevance of first language attrition to theories of bilingual development', in Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism. vol. 7 (6) , pp.637-667
- Schmid, Monika S. (2011) Language attrition, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Montrul, Silvina. (2010-03) 'Current Issues in Heritage Language Acquisition', in Annual Review of Applied Linguistics. vol. 30, pp.3-23
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
In Class Presentation |
20/11/2020 |
10% |
| Coursework |
In Class Presentation: Powerpoint |
18/12/2020 |
20% |
| Coursework |
Project Proposal: 3000 Words |
22/01/2021 |
70% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Monika Schmid, email: mschmid@essex.ac.uk.
Monika Schmid
Monika S. Schmid, 4.326, 01206 872089, mschmid@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Prof Ianthi Maria Tsimpli
The University of Cambridge
Chair of English and Applied Linguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 633 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
633 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
Linguistics
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