Browse Hierarchy EAL7202: Second Language Acquisition

Second Language Acquisition is a compulsory module on the MA in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching. Students are presented with a comprehensive overview of theories and current research in second language acquisition; in addition, students have opportunities to put language learning strategies into practice by being required, as part of this module, to learn a language which is not their own. Students can choose from: French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Japanese or Mandarin (depending on timetable constraints). Proficiency in the chosen language is not assessed, but we ask you to reflect on the learning strategies that you use while following your language course. The module explores: the history of language learning; goals of language teaching; the L2 user and the native speaker; individual learner differences; motivation and aptitude; learner strategies; multiple intelligences and multi-competences; group dynamics; general models of L2 learning; the interaction approach; socio-cultural SLA theory.