Key facts
UNE unit code: LING304
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Language is an incredibly complex and sophisticated system. Young children acquire their first language without any formal instruction. So why are languages so much harder to learn when we’re older? This unit covers the fascinating and varied field of language acquisition: how we acquire our first language, and how we learn second or third languages later in life.
You will examine the key linguistic, psycholinguistic, and sociocultural theories in the field, and explore how human sounds, vocabulary, and grammar are acquired; the relationship between language and literacy development; and how first language development continues into the adult years. You will also investigate second dialect acquisition, asking what it means to acquire not a second language, but a second dialect.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles and issues involved in the study of first and second language acquisition;
- understand and apply key linguistic and applied linguistic concepts to professional work and/or further learning;
- critically analyse and evaluate major issues and themes in language acquisition in order to analyse and evaluate information and provide solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems;
- apply knowledge of the field to demonstrate autonomy and well-developed judgment in self-directed work and learning; and
- use well-developed cognitive and technical and communication skills to transmit knowledge, skills, and ideas in language acquisition to others.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | No. of words: 300 Language Acquisition Autobiography |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. of words: 800 Quiz 1 |
| Assessment 3 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | No. of words: 800 Quiz 2 |
| Assessment 4 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | No. of words: 1000 Worksheet |
| Assessment 5 | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. of words: 1500 Take Home Exam |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Development of Language
ISBN: 9781488618765
Gleason, J.B. and Ratner, N.B., Pearson 9th ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
Introducing Second Language Acquisition
ISBN: 9781316603925
Saville-Troike, M. and Barto, K., Cambridge University Press 3rd ed. 2016
Text refers to: All offerings
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