Second Language Acquisition

Reviews / Votes

"The authors have managed to deliver an excellent updated overview of research in SLA. The inclusion of actual learner data, in several languages, invites the reader to reflect on methods of analysis, on hypothesis-building, and on interpretation. By being forced to think as a researcher, the reader develops an awareness of the multitude of choices that can affect outcomes, and becomes more critically appreciative of existing work. This is the perfect introduction to the fascinating mysteries of SLA." - Jean-Marc Dewaele, Birkbeck, University of London, UK





"Those familiar with the previous edition will be pleased with the new, intuitive organization of the book's chapters. The content is also updated, and includes valuable new information on learner corpora, dynamic systems, gestures, psycholinguistic research, study abroad, etc. This book represents perhaps the best combination of breadth, depth, and accessibility among all current SLA textbooks." - Scott Jarvis, Associate Professor, Department of Linguistics, Ohio University





"In this updated and expanded fourth edition of Second Language Acquisition, Sue Gass and her co-authors have provided faculty and students with a first-rate introduction to the field. The coverage is broad and current, the style accessible, the discussions of theory and research findings balanced and insightful. Highly recommended." - Mike Long, Professor of SLA, University of Maryland





"The fourth edition of Second Language Acquisition continues to lead the field in textbooks for generalist SLA courses at the undergraduate and graduate level.It retains SLA's comprehensive coverage of the field and its unique work with second language data samples while incorporating substantial up-to-date additions. New to this edition, the authors include pedagogical devices for student reflection throughout the chapters, a companion website, and "Points to Remember" summaries that make it even more accessible to students.This textbook has been required reading in my SLA courses since 2001, and it is truly gratifying to see how each edition trumps the last with regard to its value in today's classroom." - Lucy Pickering, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics, Texas A&M Commerce


The updated version of this classic textbook is perhaps the best general introduction to second language research currently available. It is wide in scope, covering both the history and breadth of the field, and expertly guides students in their discovery of creativity and systematicity in learner language.- David Stringer, Associate Professor, Department of Second Language Studies, Indiana University


"The new edition reflects a comprehensive, well-documented, and updated knowledge in SLA research. It can serve as an introductory course book for MA/MSc and PhD students in linguistics or other related fields, as well as an excellent resource book for SLA researchers and L2 instructors." - System