Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices

Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices represents a clear and concise introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies, aimed specifically at students encountering the topic for the first time. This textbook combines a full range of engaging pedagogical features and comprehensive coverage, with an accessible and lighthearted approach which will appeal to students. Opening with a chapter on first language acquisition, the book addresses topics such as institutional settings, the theoretical underpinnings of SLA, language teaching methods, individual differences (including age, aptitude, and motivation), and concludes with a full discussion of bilingualism.  Explained in accessible language with a focus on practical applications, discussions are backed up with references to the latest and most important research. The text aids student learning with “language learning in practice” textboxes; bolded new terms defined in the margins; an end–of–book glossary; self–assessment and classroom discussion questions; exercise and project ideas; and further online viewing sections. Featuring the stories of six language learners, Introducing Second Language Acquisition engages 21 st –century learners with a digestible layout and attention–grabbing cartoons that illustrate new ideas.  With a strong focus on the fundamentals, this is an innovative guide to second language acquisition ideal for introductory students in a range of disciplines.

Kirsten M. Hummel is Professor in the Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Translation at Laval University, Quebec, Canada. She is the editor of An Introduction to Language, Fourth Canadian Edition (with V. Fromkin, R. Rodman and N. Hyams, 2010), has published in several areas of second language acquisition, and has taught as a visiting professor in Eastern Europe and Central Africa.