Singapore University of Social Sciences

First Language Acquisition

First Language Acquisition (ELG361)

Synopsis

This is an introduction to psycholinguistics. The course looks at the structures and processes which underlie a human’s ability to speak and understand language. It explores the processes underlying a human being’s ability to speak and understand language. The focus will be on exploring the following questions: Do people acquire language because they are born with some innate predisposition to human language or because they are skilled at solving problems of various sorts? Is language restricted to human beings? What are parts of the brain involved in language processing and production? How do human beings acquire language?

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • Language and the Mind
  • Language and the Brain
  • The Role of Input in Language Acquisition
  • Details of an Innatist Proposal
  • Stages of First Language Acquisition
  • Language and Cognition

Learning Outcome

  • Debate the arguments for and against nature or nurture in human language acquisition
  • Examine the differences between human and animal communication systems
  • Indicate the parts of the brain involved in language processing and production
  • Discuss the stages of human language acquisition
  • Discuss the fundamental questions in human language acquisition
  • Construct a cogent argument in support of one side of an issue in language acquisition and support it with relevant evidence
Back to top
Back to top