Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices

Cambridge Introductions to Language and Linguistics

by Kirsten M. Hummel

An up-to-date overview of second language acquisition, designed to engage 21st-century learnersIntroducing Second Language Perspectives and Practices provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies. This introductory textbook is aimed specifically at students encountering the topic for the first time. Each chapter offers a modern layout with engaging pedagogical features such as self-assessment and discussion questions, project ideas, and further reading and viewing suggestions.The second edition of Introducing Second Language Perspectives and Practices has been fully updated to reflect the most recent scholarship in the field. It introduces a new structure, featuring separate chapters on theoretical perspectives which cover past and present approaches as well as cognitive approaches. New content also includes sections on skill acquisition theory, translanguaging, second language literacy development, and multilingualism.Written in accessible language and with a focus on practical applications, this go-to textbook is a clear and concise introduction to second language acquisition studies, offering lessons drawn from the latest leading research. It is an ideal resource for students in applied linguistics and second language education. This key textComprehensive coverage of the latest research in second language acquisition studies Improved organizational structure to promote greater student comprehension Engaging introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of second language acquisition, with chapters on first language acquisition and bilingualism and multilingualism Coverage of key topics including acquisition contexts, theoretical perspectives, language teaching methods, and individual differences Pedagogical tools to aid student learning, including "language learning in practice" textboxes, bolded terms defined in the margins, and an end-of-book glossary With a strong focus on the fundamentals, this second edition of Introducing Second Language Acquisition stands as an innovative guide. This book is ideal for today's undergraduate students, offering a practical focus and appealing format that will aid in learning and provide a solid foundation for further study.

Genres: Linguistics, Nonfiction, Language

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Alie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m finally done reading this book! I needed it for my Language Acquisition class, and let’s say that it was not fun to read. The material is interesting, but the way it is presented isn’t. It only listed theories without actually bringing something new to the table, and I felt lost throughout half of this book. I won’t miss it.

[CAITLIN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative textbook!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty decent primer for second language acquisition. I appreciated the even handed approach.

[Leda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who isn't a fan or admirer of language acquisition this book was, to say the least, unsatisfactory to me. That being said, if you enjoy language acquisition you may like it.

Book-wise my main criticism of its explanations would be its incessant use of abbreviations. While I am aware this is common in linguistics, here (because so many abbreviated terms get thrown around (some from previous chapters)) it gets annoying. at least it did for me when previous abbreviations are used from previous chapters without reminders (some abbreviations do btw have these but not enough).

[Lea Dokter · Rating 2 out of 5]

On one hand, I find this topic very interesting and really liked delving into it. This book, however, tends to get hung up on just listing theories, hypotheses and research, not giving conclusive answers or even conclusions in general. I understand this is (developing) science and hard answers aren't always possible, but the way this book was written didn't make for a comfortable read.