LARC researchers work to develop theoretical models of first, second, and bilingual language acquisition that are based on linguistic theory by integrating theoretical and experimental results in acquisition models, and by exploring connections to computational models.
Our goal is to engage undergraduate and graduate students from different departments and visitors from other institutions in research on first, second, and bilingual language acquisition that is derived from linguistic and sociolinguistic theory.
LARC researchers are interested in the implications of acquisition research for general applied work in communication disorders, second language acquisition, bilingual development, and heritage language acquisition. Some of our members are conducting projects directly related to second language instruction, language mediation, classroom language practices, and language revitalization.
We are also involved in new initiatives in digital humanities related to language research and instruction, such as the development of new computer-based tools for foreign language instruction, a corpus for heritage and second language speakers, and research uses of the new language laboratory.