The study of Language Acquisition constitutes a central part of Psycholinguistics, and within Language Acquisition Second Language Acquisition is a field full of interesting but complex and difficult questions. Do or can people acquire a second language in the same way as they acquire their first? If not, why not? Is there a difference between adults acquiring a second language and children acquiring the same language as their first? What factors are the most promising pointers to success in learning or acquiring a second language?
This seminar will cover the historical development of second-language-acquisition theories during the second half of this century: Audio-lingual Learning Theory, Contrastive Analysis, the Developmental Hypothesis, the Creative Construction and Cognitive Code Learning theories, up to and including Universal Grammar (UG).
In a second step, we shall look at the results of empirical research into second language acquisition in some detail. And, finally, we shall try to isolate those factors which make for the greatest success in the second language acquisition process.
The seminar is open to both Magister students and LehramtskandidatInnen, but intending participants must have successfully completed their Grundstudium.
Students attending the seminar are expected to participate actively and regularly (maximum of 3 absences).
If you wish to work for a qualification in this seminar you must come and see me as soon as possible, and certainly not later than 30th September.
A Reading List will be available from Frau Delany in D6-114 from the end of July.