LinguisticsNOW Colloquium, presented by SFU Linguistics & UBC Linguistics

Title: The multilingual mind as a window onto linguistic knowledge

Speaker: Charles B. Chang, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich / Boston University

Abstract: How does knowledge of different languages interact in users of two or more languages? In this talk, I will report on recent and ongoing work in my lab examining phonological and morpho-syntactic aspects of spoken language production through the lens of multilingualism. Drawing upon data from Asante Twi, English, German, and Spanish, the talk will address the dynamics of cross-linguistic influence among one's first or heritage language and one's second and/or third languages, as well as implications for our understanding of linguistic representation and language acquisition over the lifespan.

Zoom link: https://sfu.zoom.us/j/3453934939

From Dr. Chang's website:

My research generally concerns the relationship between linguistic experience and phonological knowledge over the lifespan. Much of my recent research addresses two central questions in the study of the acquisition and attrition of sound systems:

1. How is acquisition of a new language sound system influenced by the learner’s experience with a previously-learned sound system, such as that of their native language (L1)?
2. How does phonological acquisition of a new language affect the learner’s knowledge and use of their previously-learned language(s)?

I approach these questions primarily by examining the processing, representation, and development of speech sounds in the context of second language (L2) and additional language (Ln) learning, multilingualism, and language contact. This empirical focus leads to work that is strongly cross-linguistic in nature, that uses a variety of experimental techniques and quantitative methods, and that examines both the individual learner (including individual differences) and the speech community.