Child Language Development

Course Code (in greek): ΓΛ0615

ECTS Units: 6

Semester: 3, 4

Professor: Motsiou Eleni

Course description

This module aims to familiarize participants with the oral language development of children, focusing especially on development that takes place during the pre-school age. More specific objectives include: the observation and study of language development among pre-schoolers, which is conducted along the entire range of language description levels; the identification of principal characteristics and stages and the interpretation of specific phenomena in naturally developing language in monolingual as well as bilingual or multilingual children. The developmental trajectory of child language is presented with reference to its fundamental, universal stages, as well as aspects that are particular to the Modern Greek language. By describing and interpreting such phenomena, as well as the the particularities and irregularities of child speech, this module aspires to provide future teachers with a toolkit for approaching the language of pre-schoolers, with a view to facilitating teaching practice. In addition, it attempts to examine topical issues with which teachers are frequently confronted, such as topics of bilingual development and speech disorders.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, it is expected that participants will:

• develop observational skills pertaining to the oral language development of pre-school age children, with reference to every separate level of language description;
• be able to identify and document fundamental characteristics and stages of developing child language;
• be able to interpret particularities and irregularities of naturally developing language;
• be able to identify differences between monolingual and bilingual (or multilingual) children;
• be able to distinguish between typical and non-typical speech development;
• be familiar with the methodology used in observing and analysing the speech of children.

Assessment

Assessment for this module involves a summative written examination at the end of the semester. In addition, participants are encouraged to engage in (optional) assignments that involve the collection of data from pre-school age children, and identify and interpret irregularities. Participants who have successfully completed the examination receive extra credit for the assignment.

Teaching methodology

Lectures covering theoretical topics drawing on the literature; practical engagement with case studies; observation and discussion based on authentic child speech data.