Laura Domínguez

Written by a team of leading experts working in different SLA specialisms, this fifth edition is a clear and concise introduction to the main theories of second language acquisition (SLA) from multiple perspectives, comprehensively updated to reflect the latest developments in SLA research. The book covers all the main theoretical perspectives currently active in SLA and sets each chapter within a broader framework. Each chapter examines the claims and scope of each theory and how each views language, the learner and the acquisition process, supplemented by summaries of key studies and data examples from a variety of languages. Chapters end with an evaluative summary of the theories discussed. Key features to this fifth edition include updated accounts of cognitive approaches to second language (L2) learning, the implications of advances in generative linguistics and the “social turn” in L2 research, with re-worked chapters on functional, sociocultural and sociolinguistic perspectives, and an entirely new chapter on individual differences, in addition to updated examples using new studies. Second Language Learning Theories continues to be an essential resource for graduate students in second language acquisition.

Written by a team of leading experts working in different SLA specialisms, this fifth edition is a clear and concise introduction to the main theories of second language acquisition (SLA) from multiple perspectives, comprehensively updated to reflect the latest developments in SLA research. The book covers all the main theoretical perspectives currently active in SLA and sets each chapter within a broader framework. Each chapter examines the claims and scope of each theory and how each views language, the learner and the acquisition process, supplemented by summaries of key studies and data examples from a variety of languages. Chapters end with an evaluative summary of the theories discussed. Key features to this fifth edition include updated accounts of cognitive approaches to second language (L2) learning, the implications of advances in generative linguistics and the “social turn” in L2 research, with re-worked chapters on functional, sociocultural and sociolinguistic perspectives, and an entirely new chapter on individual differences, in addition to updated examples using new studies. Second Language Learning Theories continues to be an essential resource for graduate students in second language acquisition.

This timely text provides a comprehensive overview of the research methods used by the Generative Second Language Acquisition framework. The authors lay out the history and state of the art in the field, explain the theoretical underpinnings of this work, and offer practical hands-on guidance for developing, conducting and understanding studies related to L2 grammatical competence—using a rich array of techniques and advancing key insights into the rationale and circumstantial pros and cons of each method. With useful features in a consistent chapter structure, including diverse case studies and discussion questions, the book will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers of SLA, applied linguistics, theoretical linguistics, education, and related areas.

This timely text provides a comprehensive overview of the research methods used by the Generative Second Language Acquisition framework. The authors lay out the history and state of the art in the field, explain the theoretical underpinnings of this work, and offer practical hands-on guidance for developing, conducting and understanding studies related to L2 grammatical competence—using a rich array of techniques and advancing key insights into the rationale and circumstantial pros and cons of each method. With useful features in a consistent chapter structure, including diverse case studies and discussion questions, the book will be an invaluable resource to students and researchers of SLA, applied linguistics, theoretical linguistics, education, and related areas.