This course focuses on the phenomenon of bilingual acquisition in children. Topics to be discussed include: simultaneous or sequential learning of the two languages, interference between the two grammars of a bilingual child, the input to which bilingual children are exposed, as well as proficiency levels and attrition of one of the languages. Recent theoretical frameworks will be explored, with an emphasis on the acquisition of French in a bilingual context. We will consider the methodologies used in bilingual acquisition research, such as language questionnaires, evaluations of linguistic competence, and data collection (experimental or observation of spontaneous speech). This course includes a practical component: students will analyze data from existing databases or experiments that they will develop and conduct themselves.

Students from other graduate programs may submit assignments in English with approval of the instructor.