SEL8683 : Topics in Multilingualism
SEL8683 : Topics in Multilingualism
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rebecca Woods
- Owning School: English Lit, Language & Linguistics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Code | Title |
---|---|
SEL8696 | ToDLR: Topics on Developmental Linguistics Research |
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module focuses on the acquisition and use of two or more languages throughout the lifespan of an individual. It considers how two or more languages are represented in one mind, how languages interact in use, as well as building on and extending students' knowledge of child language acquisition and language change. It also considers issues around the role of languages in shaping identity and society.
Outline Of Syllabus
Topics covered in this module will include:
• Bi/multilingual first language acquisition (phonology and syntax)
• Effects of multilingualism on non-linguistic cognitive processes
• Heritage languages
• Codeswitching (use of multiple languages in a single utterance or discourse)
• Language policy in multilingual contexts and the politics of multilingualism
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will have acquired:
1. An advanced understanding of the cognitive mechanisms for representing two or more languages (building on materials in SEL8696)
2. An advanced understanding of the effects of multilingualism on non-linguistic cognitive processes
3. An advanced understanding of the differences between monolingual and multilingual first language acquisition
4. An understanding of the linguistic and social issues experienced by heritage language users
5. An understanding of how languages may (and are not) mixed and/or blended by multilingual language users in single utterances or in discourses
6. Familiarity with recent primary research literature on topics related to multilingualism
Intended Skill Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will:
1. Be able to evaluate with sensitivity the role of language in shaping identity and society
2. Be able to extract meaningful datasets from corpora of multilingual child language production using CHILDES/CLAN
3. Be able to use descriptive grammars to parse multilingual data
4. Be able to draw on and appropriately analyse multilingual data to address a hypothesis and to critique theoretical and theoretically-informed research
5. Ability to engage at a high level with primary research literature in linguistics
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 50 | 1:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 45 | 1:00 | 45:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 72 | 1:00 | 72:00 | N/A |
Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
Code | Title |
---|---|
SEL2230 | Multilingualism |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures will provide the principal source of core content (knowledge) delivery and directions for guided independent learning. Seminars provide the principal source of developing core skills in analytical techniques as well as a space for clarifying knowledge content and testing the limits of theories and concepts through group discussion. The computer-based workshops are a second source of developing core skills, specifically in how to navigate key data sources such as multilingual child language corpora (e.g. CHILDES) and codeswitching corpora (e.g. the Bangor group of corpora).
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Practical/lab report | 2 | A | 40 | Creation of a small scale multilingual dataset using CHILDES/CLAN, with explicit description and discussion of methods employed and decisions made. |
Written exercise | 2 | M | 60 | Detailed analysis of a provided dataset, linking to broader issues in multilingual language acquisition and/or use. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The practical exercise evaluates Knowledge Outcomes 3, 5 and 6, and Skill Outcomes 2, 3 and 4. It evaluates students' abilities to form a meaningful hypothesis about multilingual language acquisition and use and extract a dataset that could be used to meaningfully address that hypothesis. This will scaffold students' development in Research Methods in preparation for their Semester 3 dissertation.
The written exercise evaluates Knowledge Outcomes 1-6 and Skill Outcomes 1, 3-5.
It evaluates students' ability to (i) apply their skills in data manipulation and analysis to a novel dataset and evaluate the results with respect to existing work in multilingualism, and (ii) evaluate and critique theories concerning aspects of multilingual language use and acquisition, as addressed in the module content.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SEL8683's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SEL8683's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.
You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.
Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.