This course explores key issues in the processing, production, and acquisition of language, and critically examine methods used in psycholinguistic and language acquisition research. The course lays the foundation for advanced studies in psycholinguistics and language acquisition, such as ENGL2115 Theories of language acquisition and ENGL2158 Language processing and learning.
The psychology of language, visual and spoken word recognition, speech perception and production, meaning, sentence comprehension, language acquisition, language disorders, psycholinguistic methods
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
1) explain key concepts and mechanisms in language processing and learning;
2) describe the nature of data and experimental methods in psycholinguistic research; and
3) synthesize and critically evaluate empirical psycholinguistic studies
Weekly sessions will include lectures, interactive activities, and group discussions.
- Attendance and participation (10%)
- Group presentation (20%)
- Quiz (30%)
- Term essay (40%)
Recommended textbook:
Harley, T. A. (2014). The psychology of language: From data to theory (4th Ed). Psychology Press. (e-resource in HKU lib)
Menn, L., & Dronkers, N. F. (2017). Psycholinguistics: Introduction and applications. (2nd ed.). Plural publishing.
Sedivy, J. (2020). Language in mind: An introduction to psycholinguistics. (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Traxler, M.J. (2012). Introduction to Psycholinguistics. Wiley-Blackwell.
Additional readings will also be provided throughout the course.