Many theoretical questions in linguistics can be answered by looking at language acquisition and language disorders. Therefore the seminar will clearly have a linguistic focus.
However, in the context of the decision for inclusive education, it is indispensible for a teacher to know about manifestations of language impairments and language disorders occuring in circumstances such as autism or hearing impairment.

We will compare different syndromes, make cross-linguistic comparisons, discuss diagnosis and therapy as well as problems of language assessment for bilinguals. In this respect, the seminar will provide some insights in what an “inclusive education” might imply for teachers and educators.
Since specific language impairment has been one of my research interests for some years, the seminar will also provide insights into research methods and provide opportunities for small student projects in the framework of data analysis for the BiLaD-project.

Regular participation and study of the material for each individual session is required throughout the seminar.

The seminar is accompanied by a method lecture/exercises which will introduce you to methods and skills of linguistic analysis and experimentation. Please, also register for this course. Attending this course is mandatory for your success in your research proposal and poster presentation.
For more information, please consult the respective “Ablaufpläne”.

You will find a reference list on StudIP shortly before the course begins.


Preparatory reading:
Hamann, C. (2012). In Proceedings of BUCLD 36.
BM 6 Materials: The biological foundations of language. Oldenburg.
Guasti, T. (2002): Language Acquisition. The Growth of Grammar. MIT Press. Chapter
on Language Impairment.
Bishop, D. and K. Mogford (1993). Language Acquisition in Exceptional Circumstances. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.