This module will examine the development of speech perception and speech production during first language acquisition. It focuses on SPEECH and therefore complements modules on language acquisition focusing more on syntax or phonology.


In speech perception, the module will review:

Experimental methods used for testing speech perception in infants and older children.
	Theoretical models of speech perception development.
	Experimental findings regarding speech perception development in the first year of life.
	Experimental findings regarding later development.
	Speech development in children with hearing loss and bilingual children.
In speech production, we will review:

Techniques for eliciting speech data in children.
	Models of speech production development.
	Experimental findings of speech production studies in children.
	Issues of individual variability in speech production in children.
Through this module, you are expected to develop knowledge and understanding of the experimental paradigms that are suitable for studying speech perception and production in infants and young children; the theoretical models that are prevalent in this field; and the most significant recent experimental studies in this field.

Aims

To review the current state of knowledge on processes involved in the development of speech perception and production during language acquisition.
Through this module, students are expected to develop knowledge and understanding of:

The experimental paradigms that are suitable for studying speech perception and production in infants and young children
	The theoretical models that are prevalent in this field
	The most significant recent experimental studies in this field
	Current issues and controversies in speech perception/production development
	‘hot topics’ in this field in the next decade.
It will also give students experience in analyzing children’s speech.

Undergraduate enquiries to d.newton@ucl.ac.uk
Postgraduate enquiries to pals.langsci@ucl.ac.uk