Second Language Learning Theories

By Emma Marsden, Rosamond Mitchell, Florence Myles

Book Overview

Second Language Learning Theories is a clear and concise overview of the field of second language acquisition (SLA) theories. Written by a team of leading academics working in different SLA specialisms, this book provides expert analysis of the main theories from multiple perspectives to offer a broad and balanced introduction to the topic.

The book covers all the main theoretical perspectives currently active in the SLA field and sets them in a broader perspective per chapter, e.g. linguistic, cognitive or sociolinguistic. Each chapter examines how various theories view language, the learner, and the acquisition process. Summaries of key studies and examples of data relating to a variety of languages illustrate the different theoretical perspectives. Each chapter concludes with an evaluative summary of the theories discussed. This third edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect the very latest research in the field of SLA.

Key features include:

a fully re-worked chapter on cognitive models of language and language learning a new chapter on information processing, including the roles of different types of memory and knowledge in language learning the addition of a glossary of key linguistic terms to help the non-specialist a new timeline of second language learning theory development?

This third edition takes account of the significant developments that have taken place in the field in recent years. Highly active domains in which theoretical and methodological advances have been made are treated in more depth to ensure that this new edition of Second Language Learning Theories remains as fresh and relevant as ever.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1444163108
• ISBN13: 9781444163100
• Release Date: December 2012
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 379 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Very helpful

This is a very helpful introductory book related to SLL theories. It's a must-read for all those whose work/study is related to the field. The authors successfully compile an enormous amount of information regarding the subject.

The author has done the hard work for you!

The author brilliantly collates what must amount to a seemingly infinite amount of material. Terms are clearly explained and chapters follow a coherent path, allbeit to a conclusion (minus one star) that wasn't expected... but the journey was well worth it! Short case studies and examples are easy to skip over but good to see them. The content is deep enough for a University audience and at a reasonable length to link to practical applications as well as leave your mind tinkering. It is a first-time theoretical read and a stepping-stone to broader material as it impartially outlines the arguments for and against each theory. In the end you are forced to decide for yourself! For the moment I have made my mind up on the theoretical side - how about you? In hindsight the decision to get this title was very easy.

The big picture

As a student in TESOL, I appreciate this book for giving me a good view of the most important theories in our field. We are so apt to focus and not see the "other stuff". This book is comprehensive easy to understand and clear. A must to all who wonder about the role of functionalist, pragmatic, cognitive, social, UG theories and more are surveyed in a concise and clear fashion. A must to all who do not have an understanding of the theories in our field.