Bilingualism, Second Language, and Literacy Development
Introduces second-language acquisition (SLA) and bilingualism. Studies how learners create a new language system, frequently with only limited exposure. Covers the debates in the field whose main claim is that second-language acquisition is dynamic and nonlinear. Addresses how native language facilitates or impedes SLA, the universal processes affecting SLA, the challenges advanced second-language learners encounter in higher education, and the question of identity transformation. Emphasizes the components of language structure and their relevance to language learning and literacy; issues in culture, language socialization, and cognitive processes in language acquisition; variability of language learners; and language learners in academic context. Some of the major disciplines that contribute to SLA include theoretical linguistics, psychology, anthropology, conversation analysis, and sociology.
Reflection
Learning a second language is a long, complex task whose success depends on many factors, such as age, motivation, prior linguistic knowledge and skills, amount of second language exposure, classroom materials, and teaching methods. This course taught me the complex details that are involved when learning a second language as an adult as well as a child. The lessons delivered in this course precisely illustrated the dedication and resources required to successfully acquire a second language and the affect that age and culture play on the language acquisition.
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