Multilingualism and language contact
About the course
This course can be taken as a singluar course by students who fulfill the admission requirements.
This course offers an in-depth introduction to the theories and models of first, second, third, and multilingual language acquisition. We will explore topics related to language contact, such as progressive and reverse cross-linguistic influence, the effects of exposure and age, language attrition, metalinguistic awareness, and phenomena related to language distance. For instance, we will consider whether multilinguals who speak closely related varieties (e.g., dialects) differ from those who speak more distantly related varieties (e.g., languages from different language families).
Additionally, the course will examine multilingual contexts involving both globally dominant and globally less widespread languages, with a particular focus on how L2 English influences the vocabulary and grammar of domestically dominant but globally smaller L1s. We will analyze a range of multilingual scenarios, including heritage language acquisition, second and third language acquisition, and language combinations involving English, Icelandic, German, Polish, and Norwegian. The course will also delve into neurolinguistics, exploring the cognitive and neurological effects of multilingualism on the brain.
Admission requirements
A bachelor's degree, or equivalent qualification, in languages or linguistics.
Application code: 9371 - Enkeltemner på masternivå (Nordic applicants).
Objectives of the course
Teaching methods
This course is jointly organized and delivered by a consortium of four universities: Tromsø, Konstanz, Reykjavík, and Poznań.
It combines virtual learning components with a study mobility phase, during which all participants come together in Tromsø for an intensive period of lectures and seminars. Students will actively engage in various tasks, including collaborative project work and the development of an academic paper.
Language of instruction and examination
EnglishSchedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Examination
| Assignment | Hand in: 05.06.2026 14:00 Duration: 1 Semesters |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Oral presentation | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Attendance | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage
More info about the coursework requirements
Attending virtual and on-site meetings, participating in seminars and joint discussions, one individual oral presentation of an experimental project idea in a mini conference at the end of the on-site part of the course. The presentation should be connected to the term paper.More info about the assignment
One term paper (4000-5000 words).Re-sit examination
A resit exam is arranged for students who have not passed the last ordinary exam in this course.
In the event of a re-sit examination, the student is allowed to submit a revised version of his/her term paper within a given deadline.