Psychology

Language is one of the most complex systems that humans ever learn; yet the best learners of the system are children. This course will explore this extraordinary feat of learning that most children accomplish with ease. We will examine what children learn about the sounds, meanings, and structures of language. We will also discuss the mechanisms that young language learners possess that enable them to acquire language. Although most readings will focus the acquisition of a first (spoken) language in infancy and childhood, readings will also address the acquisition of language under unusual circumstances, including critical period effects for late language learners, the acquisition of pidgins and creoles, and language development in neurodevelopmental disorders. Particular emphasis will be placed on competing theoretical accounts of acquisition and active debates in the field, including the roles of nature and nurture in language development.

The seminar will meet for 3 hours, 1 day/week.