Language Acquisition

AL: A field of applied linguistics Problem oriented Can deaf children learn to speak if they get a hearing device at 1, 7 or 14? Should mothers correct „lót”, „kenyért”, „garazsat”, „tégem”, „goed” and „wented”? Do they? Why do bilingual kids start speaking later? Is it a disadvantage? Shall I take my child to a Helen Doron language school at 6 months?

Empirical Multi-disciplinary How would you investigate what mothers/teachers actually correct and how? if bilingual speakers are good translators? why an adult learner is incapable of passing the intermediate language exam, essential to keep his job?

Aspects of LA Process and product First and second language Genetic code and imitation Whorf’s hypothesis

First language acquisition Nature or nurture? Stages Influences Theories Imitation Innateness Interaction Connectionsim

The critical period in FLA: Wild children Is there a limit to our language learning capacity? Constraints Different CPHs in different areas of language

Second language acquisition: Differences between L1 and L2 Feature L1 L2 Overall success Perfect Not perfect Variation Little Route Context Age Personality factors Goals Target language competence ? Fossilisation Unknown Common Instruction Not needed Helpful or necessary Negative evidence No correction Correction is helpful Affective factors Not involved Play a major role

Focus on variation

Bilingualism The bilingual advantage Different types

Course requirements Regular attendance Preparing for class (always bring the material to class!) Active participation A 5-10 mins. presentation on a chosen topic Completing 2 tests The lecture course ends with an exam