Subject: Focusing on the following three factors: task (process of acquisition), individual, and environment, describe briefly the most relevant aspects present in L1, L2, and bilingual acquisition (e.g., the relationship between cognitive development and language acquisition). What do L1, L2, and bilingual acquisition have in common and which are the most important aspects necessary to understanding each mode of acquisition? You may consider applying two of the perspectives presented in BeebeÕs book , or you may prefer to approach your account through a combination of all perspectives. If you decide to analyze the role of the three factors from a particular theory or theories, be sure to clearly establish the reasons behind your choice. If you present conflicting theories, be specific about the elements you are using from each approach and why.
The paper should not be longer than five pages. Since you will not be able to be exhaustive in your discussion, you should select those issues that appear more relevant and present them succinctly but coherently.
You should draw information and examples from all the readings and lectures, and organize them to provide a clear picture of your understanding of the process of language acquisition. You should record your sources properly.
Due date: Thursday, October 23.
You should turn in a brief paragraph stating your selected topic by Thursday, October 16. The paragraph should include a sentence or two defining the specific theme on which you will focus, and another few sentences about your initial approach. Some hints to help you in your selection:
¥ Make sure that the topic represents an area in which you are highly interested and will keep you engaged as your research progresses.
¥ Take into consideration the time constraints and the availability of material related to your subject. You should conduct some preliminary research in order to make sure that you will be able to develop your research in the time allowed.
¥ You may start by a rather general topic or idea (e.g., "Language policy in the U.S."), and narrow it depending on the aspects that interest you the most (e.g., the effects of language policy on education>the effects of policy on K-12 curriculum>the effects of language policy on K-12 curriculum in the last 20 years in the State of Washington).
¥ Try to be as loyal as you can to your initial subject. You probably will refine your topic and introduce changes in your approach as your knowledge in the subject increases; but you will save time and energy if you choose carefully from the beginning.
¥ Appropriate topics: Bilingual speech communities, language situation of a particular minority group, language and education (all levels), particular approaches to bilingualism in the U.S. or in other countries, language and culture, bilingualism and biculturalism, role of language in (national or state) policy, etc.
¥ Appropriate approaches: historical, comparative, descriptive and/or analytical, with more or less emphasis on linguistic, sociocultural and educational issues.
Subject: Your paper should present an argument in favor or against the implementation of bilingual education in a particular context and for an identifiable community. You should provide clear definitions of bilingual education and related terms for the purpose of your case. Your discussion should be based on either linguistic, cultural, political, or pedagogical rationales, or a combination of all of them.
The paper should not be longer than five pages. Since you will not be able to be exhaustive in your discussion, you should select those issues that appear most relevant and present them succinctly, but coherently.
You should draw information and examples from all the readings and lectures, and organize them to provide a clear picture of your understanding of the process of language acquisition. You should record your sources properly.
Due date: Thursday, November 20.
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