Language Acquisition

The course examines the process by which infants develop the ability to perceive, produce and use linguistic elements of their native language for their communication. Specifically, it is considered the acquisition of phonology, syntax, morphology, semantics and vocabulary. The examination of the phenomenon of language acquisition is not limited to spoken language but also includes the study of the sign language.

Objectives

At the end of this course, students: 1. will know and be able to evaluate the main theories of language acquisition, 2. will be able to describe the different stages that it passes each infant as acquiring the native language.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite knowledge is not necessery as the course is introductory.

Syllabus

1. Basic concepts and aims of the course: a. The problem of language acquisition b. Grammatical concepts and constraints c. Knowledge about language d. The critical period 2. Cognitive / Psychological Consideration of Language Development-Research Methodology a. Experimental methods of examination of spontaneous child speech b. Advantages and disadvantages of each method c. Basis linguistic data CHILDES 3. Phonology Acquisition a. The mother tongue b. Distinguishing sounds of the mother tongue c. Infant Production 4. Lexicon Acquisition a. Concepts Acquisiion 5. Vocabulary-Verbs Acquisition 6. Morphology Acquisition a. Wug-test 7. Syntax Acquisiton 1 a. Introduction 8. Syntax Acquisition 2 a. Null subject sentences 9. Syntax Acquisition 3 a. Noun Phrase Movement (A-movement) 10. Language and other cognitive abilities 11. Language in Autism