This module introduces cognitive and social aspects of second language acquisition, bilingualism and multilingualism from the perspective of psycholinguistics and psychology of language. We will cover an overview of language processing in bilinguals and multilinguals, together with theories on the acquisition, maintenance, and attrition of languages in the mind of the learner. Research into both children and adults will be discussed with regard to biliteracy and multiliteracy, and the cognitive effects of learning languages, such as language awareness and creativity. Psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic research into language disorders and the effects of ageing in bilinguals and multilinguals will also be a focus of the module. This module may be of particular interest to students thinking of studying speech and language therapy or of teaching English as a foreign or second language.  Students will find it is helpful if they have previously studied SE1404 Language and the Mind, or read Field, J. (2003). Psycholinguistics: A resource book for students.  London: Routledge.

Knowledge

• characterise the nature of bilingualism and multilingualism
• describe some of the current theories on the processes of language acquisition, maintenance and attrition
• define some of the terms used in psycholinguistic research
• specify some of the cognitive effects of bilingualism and multilingualism

 Understanding

• understand some of the current theories on the processes of language acquisition, maintenance and attrition
• grasp the ethical issues inherent in psycholinguistic research and the ethical procedures used
• comprehend some of the methodologies used in research

Skills

• analyse and synthesise information on how the mind processes language
• assess contrasting theories from the psychology of language and psycholinguistics 
• evaluate the evidence for these theories
• develop oral presentation skills.

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 small-group seminar per week. During seminars, you may be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central, together with the links for video clips used in class. Students are encouraged to discuss any specific access needs with staff in advance of taking this module.   

In addition to the skills above, students will:

• analyse and synthesise information on how the mind processes language
• assess contrasting theories from the psychology of language and psycholinguistics 
• evaluate the evidence for these theories
• develop oral presentation skills, including presenting an argument, and responding to questions
• further develop discussion skills
• the module is also relevant to all the employability pathways

The coursework is a critical analysis of the research literature using journal articles on a topic chosen by the student: an unassessed oral presentation on the same topic is given feedback before coursework is submitted. Understanding of the ethical issues inherent in the research together with the ethical procedures used, and some of the methodologies used in the research will also be assessed.  The coursework will develop the ability to evaluate theories and evidence put forward for these theories, and to present an analysis and synthesis of this information in an area of the student’s interest, while at the same time further developing oral presentation skills and discussion skills in a seminar environment.

The examination presents a choice of eight essay questions, and requires four responses. At a fundamental level, it assesses the student’s ability to define and use some of the terms used in psycholinguistic research, characterise the nature of bilingualism and multilingualism, and describe some of the current theories on the processes of language acquisition, maintenance and attrition. Overall, the exam presents the student with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in assessing contrasting theories from the psychology of language and psycholinguistics, and their understanding of some of the current theories on the processes of language acquisition, maintenance and attrition, and the cognitive effects of bilingualism and multilingualism.

The module is assessed by coursework and exam.       

The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language and Communication Course Guide. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.

Topics covered in the module include:

• Language acquisition in bilinguals and multilinguals
• Language processing and memory in bilinguals and multilinguals
• Ageing and multilingualism
• Literacy, biliteracy, multiliteracy 
• Metalinguistic awareness in bilinguals and multilinguals
• Neurolinguistics of bilingualism and multilingualism
• Disorders in bilinguals and multilinguals
• Creativity and multilingualism

The coursework is a critical analysis of the research literature using journal articles on a topic chosen by the student: an unassessed oral presentation on the same topic is given feedback before coursework is submitted.  The examination presents a choice of eight essay questions, and requires four responses.

1)The set text for this module is:

Altarriba, J. and Heredia, R.R. (2008). An Introduction to Bilingualism: Principles and Processes. Hove, East Sussex: Psychology Press.

2) Journal articles: Some of your core readings for this module will be journal articles, which will be available through the Cardiff University Portal (click on Library, then the relevant e-journals). Examples of journals are: Brain and Language; Journal of Neurolinguistics; International Journal of Multilingualism; International Journal of Bilingualism; Bilingualism: Language and Cognition.  

3) Videos: Video clips are used in class (links given).

4) Recommended further reading: Each week, you will be provided with short reading lists related to the topic. You will be expected to read journal articles and books both in printed copy and online.

5) Your own research: If you want to do well in your assessment tasks, you will also need to find your own relevant readings not mentioned in the above sources.