Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students have

  • thorough knowledge of theories of the representation of words in the bilingual mental lexicon
  • a good understanding of data and theories relating to language control and language selection
  • knowledge of data and theories relating to the benefits and disadvantages of being bilingual.
  • detailed knowledge of experimental approaches to bilingual language research

Upon successful completion of this course, students are able to

  • critically evaluate theories and evidence about bilingual language activations and lexical retrieval
  • critically evaluate theories of the cognitive benefits of being bilingual
  • critically evaluate theories of the cognitive disadvantages of being bilingual
  • write clear and concise summaries of key research articles and well-structured essays

Contents

This course engages students with the issue of bilingualism with focus on English as a second language. We will discuss key issues relating to the mental representation of a second language and to the processes by which it is comprehended and produced. The influence of first language structure and of second language proficiency on these processes will also be considered. Current theories will be introduced and evaluated in with reference to a range of linguistic and experimental evidence.

Topics to be covered focusing on English:

  • The representation of words in the bilingual mental lexicon
  • Language control and language selection
  • Cognitive benefits of bilingualism
  • Linguistic disadvantages of bilingualism

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures and discussions. Active and regular participation is expected. The estimated workload is 270 hours.

Examination requirements

Students must attend 70% of the seminars and an obligatory task must be approved in order to be eligible to take the exam. An overview of the obligatory task will be given at the start of the term.

Examinations

A take home written examination consisting of essay questions. More information about the examination will be given on Canvas. Graded assessment.

Student evaluation

The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1.

Offered as a free-standing course

Yes, if there are places available.

Admission Requirement if given as a free-standing course

Identical to the admissions requirements for the programme.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
EN-439 – Bilingualism: Second language production and perception. 10
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:19:41 AM