Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices - Softcover

Hummel, Kirsten M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470658045 ISBN 13: 9780470658048

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2014

Synopsis

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 undergraduates encountering the topic for the first time.

• Follows six fictitious language learners throughout the text whose stories serve to introduce various concepts and issues
• Contains specific chapters on first language acquisition and bilingualism, as well as explicit references to the most recent and important research
• Covers key topics including acquisition contexts, theoretical perspectives, language teaching methods, second language development, and individual differences (such as age, aptitude, and motivation)
• Grabs student attention with lighthearted cartoons that illustrate and reinforce key ideas
• Features a full range of pedagogical tools to aid student learning, including “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

About this title

About the Author

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.

From the Back Cover

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.

From the Inside Flap

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2014
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470658045
• ISBN 13: 9780470658048
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288