Vår 2026

ENG-3061 Multilingualism and language contact - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for språk og kultur

Type of course

This course can be taken as a singluar course by students who fulfill the admission requirements.

Course contents

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).

Objective of the course

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various theoretical approaches to first and multilingual language acquisition, along with the associated terminology. They will engage in discussions and presentations on current research topics in multilingual language acquisition and maintenance, as well as language contact studies, while also exploring cutting-edge research methods in the field. Additionally, students will develop insights into the diverse factors that shape the acquisition and development of multiple languages.

Language of instruction

English

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.