How do humans acquire language, and what factors influence the learning of additional languages? This course introduces students to the major theories, research findings, and contemporary debates in the study of language acquisition and language learning. Drawing on key theories and research in first, second, and third language acquisition, the course examines how children acquire their first language and how adolescents and adults learn second and additional languages. Together, we will examine models of language transfer and explore the linguistic, cognitive, and social factors that shape language learning.
