Child Language Acquisition (LING6521) is important for anyone who wants to understand how children acquire language. It is an introductory course designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the process of language acquisition, including how children learn words, learn sounds and learn how to construct grammatically correct sentences. It provides students with the basic skills for carrying out child language acquisition research. Issues covered include collecting, describing and interpreting children's data and reporting research findings. Students will be given an opportunity to analyse some data from a child who is in the process of learning language.

Child Language Acquisition (LING6521) can be undertaken either as a single course or as an elective course towards the Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, Graduate Diploma of Linguistics, Master of Applied Linguistics, Master of Arts (Linguistics).

This course is compulsory for graduate students who wish to undertake further research (thesis or sub-thesis) in the area of child language acquisition research. It is recommended for graduate students who wish to undertake further research in applied linguistics. Students should consult with the convenor of Applied Linguistics or their potential supervisor as to whether or not they are required to take the course.

On satisfying the expectations of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills (1) to critically evaluate various language acquisition theories; (2) to analyse children's data within the light of various acquisition theories; (3) to critically evaluate recent articles in contemporary first language acquisition journals; (4) to analyse some naturally occurring data from a phonological, morpho-syntactic and interactional perspective.

In addition to attending lectures and tutorials, graduate students will be required to be part of the vibrant research community at ANU, by attending seminars within the linguistics and applied linguistics program.

Students will be assessed according to their understanding of language acquisition concepts and theories, as per the learning outcomes. The final decision concerning assessment will be made in conjunction with the students in the second week of semester.

Critical reading assignment (25%) requiring students to critically evaluate a recent article from a contemporary language acquisition journal, is due in Week 4. Transcription assignment (5%) requiring students to transcribe some data, is due in Week 7. Assignment (30%) requiring students to analyse some data from a phonological, morpho-syntactic and interactional perspective, is due in Week 10. Essay (40%) on a topic of interest within child language acquisition, is due during the exam period.

Passing of the course is conditional on students passing all assessment items.

In addition to the required contact hours (lectures, tutorials and seminars), it is expected that students will spend an additional 8-10 hours per week on this course. 

O'Grady (2005) How Children Learn Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.