The Essex website uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are consenting to their use. Please visit our cookie policy to find out which cookies we use and why. View cookie policy.

University of Essex homepage Centres and Institutes Language Development throughout the Lifespan Our research Language Decline Attrition Ageing and Impairments
Research Cluster

Language in Later Life

Old hands resting on a wooden table with folded hands.

Exploring the range of the human language capacity

All forms of language development – including language learning and use in later life – are an expression of the human capacity for language.

For a long time, it was assumed that language should be studied in an idealised context – people in the prime of life who had learned and used only one language from birth. Any differences from this pattern, either because a person was exposed to multiple languages or because they were more advanced in age when they encountered a new language, were seen as ‘noise’.

It is only relatively recently that researchers have acknowledged the importance of looking at language learners and users of all ages, including in the ‘third age’. This is what we do in this research cluster.

Research Cluster Lead

Dr Karen Roehr-Brackin

Dr Karen Roehr-Brackin

Member

Department of Language and Linguistics, University of Essex

Our members

Our research projects:

Language in Later Life

Auditory and Speech Perception Under Cognitive Load

This study examines how listening is affected when concurrent tasks are performed.

Language Learning Aptitude in Older Adults

This new study is a pilot project aimed at preparing the ground for a larger investigation into whether participation in a foreign language learning programme can contribute to building cognitive reserve in older adults, and which factors predict older adults’ foreign language learning success.

Speech Production Error Patterns in Language Acquisition and Language Loss

This ongoing project accounts for observed speech errors in language acquisition (children) and language loss (people with aphasia) with the notion of phonological complexity.

The Age Effect in Bilingual Development

This research project examines why bilingual children are better at language learning than adults.

Our affiliated courses
BA English Language and Linguistics
BA Linguistics
MA Applied Linguistics
MA Linguistic Studies
MA Linguistics
MA Psycholinguistics
MRes Linguistics
MRes Experimental Linguistics
Research from the Department of Language and Linguistics
Discover all research structures housed within the Department of Language and Linguistics, view our research clusters, centres and highlights of our research.
Research degrees from the Department of Language and Linguistics
Find out about the range of research degrees available from the Department of Language and Linguistics, find research supervision and learn how to apply.
Explore research online
Utilise this online search tool to explore research at the University of Essex.
Contact us
Research Cluster Lead Professor Monika Schmidd
University of Essex
Centre for Research in Language Development throughout the Lifespan (LaDeLi) University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ
Telephone: 01206 872083
WE ARE
ESSEX ARE YOU?
Sign up for a prospectus Get to know Essex
STUDY
Find a course
LIFE
RESEARCH
EXPLORE
CONTACT US
Contact


  • +44 (0) 1206 873333
  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

 

University of Essex - Where change happens

CONNECT WITH US
© 2024 University of Essex. All rights reserved