Language in Society

Bachelor 2022/2023

Type: Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)

Area of studies: Linguistics

Delivered by: School of Foreign Languages

Where: School of Foreign Languages

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Anastasia Sergeyevna Vyrenkova

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 38

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

This course examines language as a social practice by considering the different types of language acquisition. Students will focus on the evolution of language as an instrument of communication across sociolinguistic contexts - first language in both monolingual and multilingual environments, and second language in the classroom. We will discuss aspects that shape child and adult grammars, as well as the impact of input factors on bilinguals and multilinguals. Apart from introducing students to key concepts, theories, and research methods in the area of language acquisition, the seminar also gives them the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applying their theoretical knowledge to real data. By the end of this course students will have 1. gained knowledge about language acquisition and the development of communication strategies 2. developed a critical understanding of the influence of key input factors on the development of grammars 3. obtained practical skills in collecting and analysing linguistic data. Prerequisites: English B2.

Learning Objectives

To understand the relationship between language and society
To understand how and why social factors may affect one’s language behaviour

Expected Learning Outcomes

To evaluate the significance of personal and social factors in one’s language behaviour
To identify features that determine language competence and its development
To differentiate between monolingual and multilingual language acquistion
To apply relevant methodologies in studying the role of social environment in language acquisition and development
To analyse the role of personal and sociolinguistic factors in Second Language Acquisition

Course Contents

How children acquire language in a monolingual setting: early stages and early socialising
How children acquire language in a monolingual setting: later stages
Sociolinguistic contexts affecting first language acquisition
Different grammars: how children and adult monolinguals use language differently
Input factors in bilingual language acquisition
Heritage languages
Heritage grammars
Language acquisition: research methodology
Heritage speakers and L2 learners
Social and individual factors in second language acquisition

Assessment Elements

Classroom activity
Assignment
Mid-term test
Exam

Interim Assessment

2022/2023 2nd module
0.3 * Exam + 0.3 * Mid-term test + 0.2 * Assignment + 0.2 * Classroom activity

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Bilingualism, Multilingualism, Globalization and Superdiversity: Toward Sociolinguistic Repertoires. (2017). Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.tilburguniversity.edu.publications.a953a209.d7e4.4b1f.8791.3cf581c09aa1
Dr. Annick De Houwer. (2009). Bilingual First Language Acquisition. Multilingual Matters.
Montrul, S. (2015). The Acquisition of Heritage Languages. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1093148
Polinsky, M. (2018). Heritage Languages and Their Speakers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1875058
Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course By: Gass, Susan M; Babb-Rosensfeld; Plonsky, Luke; Behney, Jennifer. Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-89478-4, 978-0-415-89495-1, 978-0-203-13709-3, 978-1-136-48877-1, 978-1-136-48879-5, 978-1-136-48880-1, 978-1-299-81206-2. Education (General).
Tomasello M, K. Abbot-smith, Stefan Th. Gries, Anatol Stefanowitsch, & Corpora Cognitive. (n.d.). 2003 Constructing a Language: A Usage-based Theory of Language Acquisition. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.5E1CE8C5

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Experimental methods in language acquisition research, , 2010
Statistical learning and language acquisition, , 2012

Authors

MARUSHKINA ANASTASIYA SERGEEVNA

Course Syllabus