Language Acquisition Lab

Our research explores questions such as:

• How does the home language environment influence the development of a second language?
• How do children learn to distinguish the speech sounds of their languages?
• Does the home language influence how children learn new words?

Our Research

One such study which pursues these questions is our study into "first language phonotactics"

An important prerequisite for learning to read is the ability to manipulate or make judgments about the phonemic units of spoken words (e.g say Dog without the "d" sound"). This is a skill known as "phonological awareness"

This project studies bilingual children and how their first language influences their second language's phonological awareness, and in turn how this might influence early literacy outcomes. For example, are children learning English in British primary schools falling behind their native speaker classmates because their primary, foreign language is influencing their ability? We are working with local East London primary schools to explore the assessment and development of these skills in children aged 4-8. 

This study is lead by Kathleen McCarthy, Reader at QMUL and Katrin Skoruppa, Professor at Université de Neuchâtel Switzerland

Public Engagement

At the Language Acquisition Lab, we’re committed to connecting cutting-edge research on child and bilingual language development with the everyday experiences of London’s diverse communities. Based in East London, our projects and research regularly collaborate with local groups and schools, particularly within bilingual communities, to understand how home language environments influence children’s learning trajectories. This outreach is not just research‑led; it is rooted in mutual learning. The Lab hosts free workshops and invite community members to contribute their linguistic experiences to ongoing studies.

One such project is Stories from Home. 

Stories from Home is a collaboration between the QMUL Language Acquisition Lab, Mile End Community Project, Human Stories Films and Blooming Parenting. We are working with London communities to produce a library of short illustrated films based on stories told by grandparents to their grandchildren. The aim of the project is to reconnect and increase cultural awareness across generations, as well as promote heritage language use within London communities. The films preserve and revive historical events and folk tales that are a key part of heritage, identity, and cultural history

Another such collaboration is the Lab's work with THEP. The Tower Hamlets Education Partnership is a central hub for professional development and collaboration within Tower Hamlets schools. By offering easy access to learning opportunities, peer forums and knowledge exchange networks, THEP is designed to strengthen teaching standards and support community-driven education.