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LING10020

Academic Year 2026/2027

Language Acquisition and Language Disruption (LING10020)

Subject:
Linguistics
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Languages, Cultures & Linguis
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Mr Feargal Murphy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the areas of Linguistics that focus on two related aspects of Language study: Language Acquisition and Language Disorders. The first part of the module examines both first language acquisition from birth and second language acquisition by individuals who already have a complete first language. The second part introduces the area of Linguistics that concerns itself with the study of language disorders and language impairment. The overall objective is to see how the patterns of language breakdown shed light on the way language is acquired, is used and is represented in the mind/brain of the language user. This module forms part of the BA programme for Linguistics.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Identify the milestones in first language acquisition
Describe the mechanisms of first language acquisition
Distinguish between language disorders and language delay
Distinguish between language and other non-linguistic cognitive functions
Identify the differnt types of aphasia and their characteristic features
Analyse the role of non-linguistic cognitive factors in language disorders
Describe what parts of the brain may be affected in language impairment
Describe the features of language acquisition in atypical circumstances

Indicative Module Content:

Language Acquisition:
- Acquisition of Phonology
- Acquisition of Morphology
- Acquisition of lexical items
- Acquisition of Syntax
Cognitive impairment and language
Feral Children and language
Brain and Language loss

UNESCO highlights a set of key competencies that support individuals in their development and support society in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UCD has adapted these competencies and is combining them with others to form a general framework of learning competencies. This module will help you develop the competencies below to the levels specified. 
Learning Competency Additional Information Level

Collaboration

The ability to learn from others; to understand and respect the needs, perspectives and actions of others (empathy); to understand, relate to and be sensitive to others (empathic leadership); to deal with conflicts in a group; and to facilitate collaborative and participatory problem solving. Novice

Critical Thinking

The ability to question norms, practices and opinions; to reflect on one’s own values, perceptions and actions. Advanced Beginner

Systems Thinking

The ability to recognize and understand relationships; to analyse complex systems; to think of how systems are embedded within different domains and different scales; and to deal with uncertainty. Novice

Strategic

The ability to collectively develop and implement innovative actions that further sustainability at the local level and further afield. Not addressed

Integrated Problem Solving

The overarching ability to apply different problem-solving frameworks to complex sustainability problems and develop viable, inclusive and equitable solution options that promote sustainable development, integrating the competencies in this list. Not addressed

Self-awareness

The ability to reflect on one’s own role in the local community and (global) society; to continually evaluate and further motivate one’s actions; and to deal with one’s feelings and desires. Not addressed

Normative

The ability to understand and reflect on the norms and values that underlie one’s actions; and to negotiate values, principles, goals, and targets, in a context of conflicts of interest and trade-offs, uncertain knowledge and contradictions. Not addressed

Anticipatory

The ability to understand and evaluate multiple scenarios for the future – possible, probable and desirable; to create one’s own visions for the future; to apply the precautionary principle; to assess the consequences of actions; and to deal with risks and changes. Not addressed

Digital Literacy and Judgement

The ability to access, evaluate, create and communicate information in digital environments; to engage critically, ethically and responsibly with digital technologies and digital information; to understand their opportunities, limitations, risks and impact on individual’s digital identities; and to exercise informed judgement in digital participation and decision-making. Not addressed

AI Literacy & Agency

The ability to understand, critically evaluate and responsibly engage with artificial intelligence; to recognise how AI systems are shaped by human values; to assess their ethical, social and environmental implications; and to exercise human judgement, agency and accountability in AI-related contexts. Not addressed

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is having the resources and skills to meet life's challenges, including attributes such as personal development skills, resilience, stress management, strengths, lifestyle skills, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, alcohol/substance use, academic skills, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, group work, communication. Novice

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

6

Specified Learning Activities

25

Autonomous Student Learning

45

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will comprise two lectures each week, and fortnightly tutorials.
Tutorials will begin straightaway.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay of at least 1,000 words - plagiarism/use of AI will result in a fail grade Week 5 Graded No
15
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay of at least 1,300 words - plagiarism/use of AI will result in a fail grade Week 8 Graded No
30
No
Exam (In-person): Time constrained essay type exam, 2 topics to be dealt with out or 4 set. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Graded No
55
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive an analysis of the errors in their assignments

Some Selected Readings (there is no textbook for the module):

Fromkin, V., R. Rodman & N. Hyams (2003) An Introduction to Language. 410/FRO
-
Asher, R. E. (ed) (1994) The Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics. R410.3/ENC
Crystal, D. (1997) The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. R400/CAM
Strazny, P. (ed) (2005) The Encyclopedia of Linguistics. R410.3/STR
-
Bloom, P. (2001) How Children Learn the Meaning of Words. 401.93/BLO
Harley, T. (2001) Psychology of Language. SLC 401.9/HAR
Pinker, S. (1994) The Language Instinct. 400/PIN
-

Bishop, D. and K. Mogford (1993) Language Development in Exceptional Circumstances. 401.93/BIS
Leonard, L. (1998) Children with Specific Language Impairment. 157.5/LEO
Obler, L. & K. Gjerlow (1999) Language and the Brain. 401.9/OBL

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 10, 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50