Linguistics and English Language

Developmental linguistics

Speaker: Francesca D’Angelo (University of Salerno)

Title: The Bilingual Advantage in Third Language Acquisition

Abstract: The purpose of this PhD research project is to investigate the bilingualism-specific variables responsible for bilinguals’ better performance when learning additional languages in a formal setting. Since it has been acknowledged that a higher level of metalinguistic awareness is a necessary precursor to excel in the process of language acquisition, it would be worth investigating the relationship between context and modality of acquisition of bilinguals’ L2, and their level of implicit and explicit metalinguistic awareness. In other words: are there any significant differences between primary (or natural) and secondary bilinguals in the level of proficiency attainable in their L3? Firstly, this will be assessed by means of a bio-data questionnaire mainly focused on the participants’ language learning history specifying the length of exposure to formal L2, context and instructional method of acquisition (i.e. mainly communicative/grammatical). Secondly, in order to assess their linguistic competence in Italian L3, the participants will be asked to translate a text from English (L1) to Italian (L3) that requires them to reflect on some specific morpho-syntactic features absent in their mother tongue. Thirdly, I will make use of an adaptation of the task battery designed by Rod Ellis (2005) with the aim of providing independent measures of implicit and explicit metalinguistic knowledge (i.e. respectively, Oral Elicit Imitation Task and Metalinguistic Knowledge Task). Finally, a Self-Paced Reading Task will be administered to the participantsas a complementary task to assess their online language processing and reaction times.

Contact

Dr Barbora Skarabela

Feb 21 2017 -

Developmental linguistics

21 Feb 2017: The Bilingual Advantage in Third Language Acquisition

Room 3.11, Dugald Stewart Building, 3 Charles Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AD