Applied Linguistics

The Applied linguistics research group is involved in a variety of research projects on second language acquisition and bilingualism. The group studies the nature and the process of second language learning for learners in a wide variety of learning conditions and aims at applying the findings of this research to inform effective methods of second language teaching. Within this broad scope of research, the group has three main focus and special expertise:

1. The first is a focus on development over time from a dynamic perspective, using longitudinal measurements with dense observations, leading to a process-oriented perspective on language development (Wander Lowie, Rasmus Steinkrauss)
2. The second is a focus on the advantages of bilingualism, especially in the context of healthy ageing. Most notably, this research line explores whether foreign language learning in seniors can be used as a healthy aging tool. It also examines what the best method is to teach foreign languages to older adults (Merel Keijzer, Wander Lowie, Mara van der Ploeg, Jelle Brouwer, Floor van den Berg, Janine Rook).
3. The third focus is on optimal second language pedagogy, especially from a Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT) perspective (Marije Michel, Wander Lowie, Merel Keijzer) and in the context of computer assisted language learning (CALL) (Sake JagerWander Lowie, Marije Michel).

Another area of the group’s expertise is the development of second language phonology in various learning conditions (Wander Lowie, Marita Everhardt, Nelleke Janssen). The group uses a variety of methodologies, including language tests, surveys, ERP, eye-tracking, key-stroke logging, response time measurements, and vocoder simulations. The group is also highly inter- and multidisciplinary, with Phd projects often spanning different faculties and departments. Collaborations are in place with the Interdisciplinary Research School for Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience (BCN), various departments of the UMCG, the Campus Fryslan and international collaborators in the UK, Germany and the US.