A thoroughly updated edition of this prize-winning, readable introduction to the main theories of first and second language acquisition.
This book introduces you to some of the language acquisition research that will help you not just to evaluate existing materials, but also to adapt and use them in a way that fits what we currently understand about how languages are learned.
-Content including new research and new areas in pedagogy to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of research in the field.
-Chapter Preview s and Summaries with round-up questions.
-Companion website with vodcasts, content updates, and shared user content.
-Also available as an e-book.
Introduction1. Language learning in early childhoodPreviewFirst language acquisitionExplaining ?rst language acquisitionLanguage disorders and delaysChildhood bilingualismSummarySuggestions for further reading2. Second language learningPreviewLearner characteristicsLearning conditionsStudying the language of second language learners VocabularyPragmaticsPhonologySampling learners' languageSummarySuggestions for further reading3. Individual differences in second language learningPreviewResearch on learner characteristicsIndividual differences and classroom instructionAge and second language learningAge and second language instructionSummarySuggestions for further reading4. Explaining second language learningPreviewThe behaviourist perspectiveThe innatist perspectiveThe cognitive perspectiveThe sociocultural perspectiveSummarySuggestions for further reading5. Observing learning and teaching in the second language classroomPreviewNatural and instructional settingsObservation schemesEthnographySummarySuggestions for further reading6. Second language learning in the classroomPreviewProposals for teachingAssessing the proposalsSummarySuggestions for further reading7. Popular ideas about language learning revisitedPreviewReflecting on the popular ideas: Learning from researchConclusion
