Overview

This is a hands-on module, in which you will be introduced to theories and methodologies in the field of linguistics and multilingualism . We will cover topics ranging from dimensions of multilingualism; early versus late multilingualism; multilingualism and cognition; and implications for educational policies. You will be given the training and opportunity to conduct data collection and analysis and participate in discussions and presentations. Students in this module, depending on assessment topics, research question(s) and methodologies will have to opportunity to utilize the department labs, specialized software and resources, when carry out their assessments. This can include access to and the use of; dedicated lab facilities for experiments, a professional grade sound isolation booth and high-end recording equipment setup, high-level statistical modelling and analysis software, behavioural experiment software systems, acoustic and phonetic analysis software and a wide range of concordance software and specialised corpora for many languages

Topics covered may include:
1. Dimensions of multilingualism.
2. Definitions of multilingualism.
3. Early versus late multilingualism.
4.Multilingualism and cognition.
5. Educational policies.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (D- to D+) Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: 1.Generally accurate but with omissions and errors.2.Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning.3.Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions.4.Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

Good (C- to B+) Submitted work is competent throughout and may be distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It: 1.Demonstrates good or very good structure and logically developed arguments.2.Draws at least in parts on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student.3.Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning.4.Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Excellent (A- to A*) Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: 1.Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent.2.Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.3.Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the complex factors involved in multilingual acquisition across the lifespan.

• Analysise the issues involved in describing someone as multilingual.

• Collect, analyse and present data for use in multilingualism case studies.

• Evaluate the literature in the field of multilingualism.