APLNG 491Theory: Second Language Acquisition

3 credits · Applied Linguistics · Penn State

An investigation into current issues in the theoretical bases of second language acquisition. APLNG 491 Theory: Second Language Acquisition (3) This course considers the relationship between second language acquisition (SLA) theory and language teaching. An examination of various aspects of first language (l1) and second language (L2) learning/acquisition processes provides a framework for consideration of basic questions in SLA research and interpretation of findings to date. Of particular interest is the relationship of this research to teaching materials and methods. The questions addressed include the following: What is SLA? What are the methods and aims of SLA Research? How are theories of SLA related to major theoretical models of human language and human learning? What have been or could be important interdisciplinary perspectives in SLA?