Corpus-based perspectives on multilingual language acquisition (Blockseminar) - Detailseite

In this block seminar, we will engage in an in-depth, research-oriented exploration of bilingual language acquisition from a corpus-based perspective. Multilingual children may acquire two or more languages simultaneously, or they may first develop their L1 and later encounter German upon entering kindergarten or school. Using corpus data, we will analyze the development of German as a second language across multiple linguistic domains, including phonology, lexicon, morphology, syntax, and discourse.
We will also focus on the first language(s) of multilingual speakers. As language dominance often shifts toward the societal language with the onset of formal schooling, we will examine how reduced input and limited opportunities for literacy development in heritage languages may lead to divergent acquisition outcomes, language attrition, and language change. In addition, we will critically engage with the cognitive, pedagogical, and social dimensions of multilingualism.
Throughout the seminar, we will work with corpora containing authentic language data from multilingual children, adolescents, and adults. The seminar will be conducted in English; class discussions may also take place in German.