How Do We Acquire Number Names in a Second Language?

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

Learning the number system of a new language is more than memorising vocabulary; it is a window into how languages encode numerical concepts. Number words are essential for everyday activities such as handling money, telling the time, and navigating dates, yet they vary widely across languages. Some systems closely resemble English and are easier for learners to acquire, while others introduce structural challenges.

A well-known example is the “inversion” found in German (e.g. saying “four-and-twenty” instead of “twenty-four”), which can create persistent difficulties for second-language learners. This PhD project will explore how different number-naming systems shape the learning and use of number words in a second or foreign language. It will investigate both the linguistic features of For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Marie-Josée Bisson.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Key highlights

Explores how number-naming systems shape second-language learning
Investigates challenges such as German number inversion for learners
Examines linguistic features of number words across languages
Research impact rated 94% world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)

Entry requirements

Degree: 2:1 — 2:1 in psychology, education or related degree

Scholarships

Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of fees
Alumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000
London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000
Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of fees
Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

University lecturer
Postdoctoral researcher
Psycholinguistics researcher
Language education specialist
Educational researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £23,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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