Assignment: This paper should use linguistic field research (in this case a longitudinal observation of a single subject) to learn about the real-world meaning of language acquisition theory. To complete the paper, you must do as follows:

1. Choose an appropriate subject (person acquiring L1 or L2).

2. Observe the person AT LEAST three times (spread out over the entire semester).

3. Observe the person for AT LEAST one hour each time.

4. Make SPECIFIC notes about the person's use of language including EXAMPLES of phonology (pronunciation/articulation), morphology (vocabulary and structure of words, such as suffixes and prefixes), and syntax (sentence structure). For L2 learners, be sure to note code-switching, etc., if present. YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO MARK THESE USING THE TOOLS YOU LEARNED IN ENGLISH 330/523A or in the first units of BLE 310!!

5. After the final observation, examine your notes and look for PATTERNS of development or change. What has changed? What has not changed?

6. Connect these changes/lack of changes with the theories and practices of language acquisition we have been studying.

7. Prepare a presentation (and a follow-up paper) noting the patterns of change and making links to theory. Attach your observation notes to the paper.

8. Structure the paper as follows:

a. Introduce the subject (not by name but by age, gender, and language "situation").
b. Give your overall conclusion about the subject's language development during the observation period.
c. Explain the methodology (how/when/where you observed the subject).
d. Take a paragraph to explain your results in EACH of the areas mentioned above as well as any sociolinguistic patterns or phenomena (such as code-switching or reversion). Note any patterns or connections you found, giving SPECIFIC examples from your observations to support those conclusions.
e. Return to your overall conclusion about the subject's language development in the final paragraph.

Document your outside source using APA or MLA parenthetical references and a reference or "Works Cited" page. References to the text itself should also be marked properly with quotation marks (as appropriate) and parenthetical references to the page # in the book. See me if you aren't familiar with APA or MLA-style references and need help!

Length: 750+ words (2.5-3 typed/word-processed pages) plus your attached data sheets (field research observation notes).

Presentation of Results: See Schedule

Paper Due Date: See Schedule