The UW-Madison English Department proudly presents the Second Language Acquisition Lab, fondly known as SLAB. The SLAB delves into the cognitive mechanisms behind second language acquisition through formal linguistic and psycholinguistic approaches, with a special focus on L2 syntax/semantics and L2 sentence processing. It has rapidly grown to become one of the most dynamic and productive research environments on campus, fostering collaboration between faculty and students passionate about experimental linguistics.
Sharing insights into the lab’s journey and achievements, Professor Jacee Cho, the founder and director of SLAB, remarked, “I started SLAB in 2015. When I began, there were only three members. Now, SLAB is one of the most flourishing labs on campus in terms of size and productivity, particularly in student research.” She continued by mentioning the motivation behind creating SLAB:
“This is a research lab. As a researcher doing experimental work, I need a lab to administer experiments. Additionally, I wanted to provide students with hands-on research experience and a physical space to discuss research, brainstorm ideas, and collaborate.”
Professor Cho emphasized one of the lab’s purposes, saying, “Research in SLAB on bilingualism/multilingualism supports the English Department’s mission by affirming the value of all languages and language varieties spoken by UW students.” The lab aims to answer pivotal questions about how first language (L1) and second language (L2) interact during the L2 acquisition process, how L2 grammar and meaning are represented in the minds of L2 speakers, and what factors influence the acquisition of L2 meaning, such as L1 influence, linguistic complexity, and processing complexity. Currently, the lab is engaged in several exciting projects, including the acquisition of English by Korean and Russian speakers, L2 acquisition of definiteness, scalar implicatures, and presuppositions, as well as multilingual acquisition and distancing effects in L2 speakers.
Reflecting on the impact SLAB has had on its members and their academic growth, she expressed, “Watching students produce research projects, present at conferences, and publish their work has been the most rewarding aspect of my involvement with SLAB.” SLAB has produced young, promising researchers who have gone on to successful careers in the field of language acquisition. Notable alumni include Amy Clay (Teaching Professor of French at UIUC), Shuo Feng (Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at Peking University), Glenn Starr (Assistant Professor of Linguistics at UW-Milwaukee), Hyun Bae (Lecturer in Linguistics at UCLA), and Eleanor Sand (PhD student in Linguistics at UIUC).
Looking ahead, Professor Cho envisions SLAB becoming a hub for international research collaborations, broadening research opportunities for both faculty and students. “I am currently working on a project with researchers in Korea and developing a project with researchers in Russia and Kazakhstan,” she mentioned. “Such international partnerships will broaden research opportunities not only for faculty members, but also for students since it will better prepare them for globalized professional and academic environments,” she added.
This effect and the dedication and enthusiasm of SLAB’s members are evident in their experiences and reflections. Undergraduate student in Spanish and Linguistics Program, Sadie Collar, who joined SLAB to explore new areas of linguistics research, shared, “A memorable experience has been hearing about the research that other lab members are working on. It’s inspiring to see fellow undergraduates working on their independent projects.” Sadie advises students to find a postdoc whose research aligns with their interests. “Working directly with someone who knows the process of being a student so well allows you to build an understanding of the field of research,” she noted.
Pursuing a PhD in the English Language and Linguistics Program, Vatcharit (Pond) Chantajinda had set his sights on joining SLAB even before arriving at UW-Madison. He enjoys the vibrant and thought-provoking discussions in the lab’s reading group. “Being part of the lab has impacted my academic and personal growth. I’ve learned how to work with other lab members and coordinate on different projects,” he said. Pond encourages interested students to reach out and join the lab. “Do not hesitate to reach out and join us! We are always excited to welcome students who are interested in second language acquisition and eager to learn more about any aspect of it,” he added.
Graduate student in the Applied English Language and Linguistics program, Jill McLeod, shared her journey of joining SLAB: “SLAB is why I applied to the ALL Master’s program. I was lucky enough to be able to visit SLAB during the writing of my application, and after that visit, I knew I wanted to be in the program, part of SLAB, and involved in the work Prof. Cho is working on.”
Particularly interested in third language (L3) acquisition, PhD student in the Second Language Acquisition Program, Aruzhan Dauletkhan, sees SLAB as an excellent opportunity to explore this field further. She appreciates the deepened understanding of experimental linguistics and the confidence to explore new research methodologies that SLAB has provided. “SLAB is a great place to explore new perspectives and receive constructive feedback,” she shared. Aruzhan encourages active participation in discussions and collaboration with other members for research and personal growth.
Undergraduate student from the English Program, Ryan Shin, who grew up bilingual in Korean and English and is currently studying French, saw SLAB as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of language acquisition. “My first SLAB meeting left a lasting impression on me because it was my first real look into how research on SLA operates,” he said. Ryan believes SLAB has positively influenced his academic journey and advises fellow students to join SLAB even if they lack experience. “If you are interested in SLA to any capacity, the lab will be a great experience,” Ryan concluded.
Beyond research projects, SLAB also hosts weekly or bi-weekly reading groups, which provide valuable opportunities for students to engage in discussions, gain insights, and collaborate on research ideas.
Students interested in joining SLAB should visit the “Openings” section in the lab’s webpage for specific requirements and application details. In addition, interested students should take one of the following courses: ENGL314: Structure of English, ENGL318: Second Language Acquisition, ENGL420: Experimental Syntax/Linguistics, or ENGL420: Third Language Acquisition.
For more information about SLAB and its activities, visit the lab’s webpage or contact Professor Jacee Cho at her email address: jacee.cho@wisc.edu.