Over the course of the module, through readings, lecture and discussion we will examine a number of aspects of bilingualism, which we will define provisionally as the alternate use of two or more languages. The topics will deal with both social and linguistic aspects of bilingualism and range from the individual to the state, from the linguistic surface to psycholinguistic processing. The student is expected to come to an understanding of the complexity of multilingual interaction as well as its ramifications at both social and linguistic levels. Many of the papers in the bibliography will be made available. Suggested readings are to be read before each lecture.
Assessment is by year-end exam.
1 Definitions Romaine Ch. 1, Grosjean Ch. 1, Weinreich Chs. Lambert et al. Canadian Journal of Linguistics 34, 339-350. Beardsmore, Hugo Baetens. Linguistics 25, 739-764.