Acquisition of Japanese as a Second Language

This course provides students with a broad overview of second language acquisition (SLA) research and introduces recent SLA studies on Japanese as a second language (L2). It covers six topics: (1) the evolution of the field, (2) approaches to understanding learner language, (3) current state of knowledge of L2 developmental patterns, (4) theories of L2 learning, (5) factors that affect SLA, and (6) instructed SLA. By reading and discussing exemplary SLA studies on L2 Japanese as well as seminal papers on these topics, students will develop abilities to analyze learner language from multiple perspectives, critically read research reports, and consider implications for L2 teaching.