Key Questions in Second Language Acquisition
An Introduction
2nd Edition
Published on 17. April 2025
Book
Hardback
249 pages
978-1-009-30601-0 (ISBN)
Description
Now in its second edition, this highly accessible introductory textbook establishes the fundamentals driving the field of second language (L2) acquisition research, including its historical foundations. Intended for the novice in the field with no background in linguistics or psycholinguistics, it explains important linguistic concepts, and how and why they are relevant to second language acquisition. Topics are presented via a 'key questions' structure that enables the reader to understand how these questions have motivated research in the field, and the problems to which researchers are seeking solutions. This edition has been fully updated to incorporate new research, with a new chapter focusing on language transfer, and new sections on the growing field of third and subsequent language acquisition, and how the acquisition of phonology reflects the key questions. With discussion questions and project ideas as well as a glossary, this is a complete package for an introductory course on second language acquisition.
Reviews / Votes
'This textbook is an invaluable resource for understanding second language acquisition, addressing key questions with clarity and insight. This new edition stands out for its expanded focus on the interaction between phonology and SLA, thoughtful consideration of social factors, and integration of pedagogical implications where relevant, making it essential for students and instructors alike.' Wynne Wong, Professor of French and Second Language Acquisition, The Ohio State UniversityMore details
Edition
2nd Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Dimensions
Height: 260 mm
Width: 183 mm
Thickness: 18 mm
Weight
672 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-30601-0 (9781009306010)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Bill VanPatten | Megan Smith | Alessandro G. Benati
Key Questions in Second Language Acquisition
An Introduction
Book
12/2019
Cambridge University Press
€106.65
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Bill VanPatten has had a long and distinguished academic career. The recipient of numerous local and national awards for his teaching, mentoring, and scholarship, he has published widely in the fields of second language acquisition and second language teaching. Megan Smith is Associate Professor of Linguistics and Director of the TESOL Program at Mississippi State University. She has published in the fields of second language acquisition. Alessandro Benati is Professor and Head of the School of Education at University College Dublin in Ireland. He has extensively researched and taught in second language acquisition. He is a co-author of various books and papers on the effects of the processing instruction pedagogical model.
Content
Foreword; Preface; 1. What are the origins of Second Language Acquisition as a research field?; 2. What does development look like?; 3. What are the roles of input and output?; 4. What roles do previously acquired languages play in the acquisition of a new language?; 5. Can L2 learners become nativelike?; 6. Does instruction make a difference?; 7. What role does explicit learning play in L2 acquisition?; 8. What are individual differences and how do they affect L2 acquisition?; Epilogue; Glossary; Index.