This CIVIS Open Online Course will be starting on 4 March 2022.
It is organised into online lectures that will take place once a week, every Friday, from 14:00 to16:00 CET.
Language: English
ECTS: 4
NB of CIVIS Students: 20 (maximum)
Open to: Bachelor students
Applications: Applicants should fill in the online form. The application deadline is 14 February 2022.
For further information and questions, contact the coordinator/instructor of the course: Dr Angelos Lengeris (alengeri@phil.uoa.gr)
Course description
This course examines issues related to phonetics and phonology of the second language (L2) acquisition. These include a discussion of current L2 theories and how they address notions such as the critical period hypothesis, differences between first (L1) and L2 acquisition, factors affecting the degree of foreign accent, plasticity of the human brain, and effects of L1 on L2 learning. Computer-based training techniques and state-of-the-art L2 pronunciation apps will also be discussed with a focus on the teaching of Greek pronunciation to L2 learners from different L1 backgrounds.
Key terms
Second language learning, phonetics, phonology, pronunciation
Course aims and learner outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand and discuss current theories of second language speech perception and pronunciation
- Understand why specific sounds pose difficulty to learners from different first-language backgrounds with a focus on the learning of Greek as a second/foreign language
- Assess current pronunciation apps and create platforms for teaching pronunciation
Course Assessment
- Essay (30%)
- Final exams (70%)
Course outline
| Week 1: |
Introduction to the course |
| Week 2: |
Main concepts in phonetics and phonology |
| Week 3: |
The Greek sound system |
| Week 4: |
First-language acquisition vs. second/foreign language acquisition |
| Weeks 5-7: |
Factors affecting the degree of foreign accent |
| Week 8: |
Relationship between L2 perception and production |
| Week 9: |
Presentations |
| Week 10: |
Computer-assisted pronunciation teaching (platforms, apps) |
