Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a theoretical and experimental field of study which looks at the phenomenon of the acquisition of second languages.
Understanding Second Language Acquisition provides an approachable but authoritative introduction to this area of linguistics. The basics are carefully explained and there are pointers for further study. In this book, the author concentrates on the essential notions involved rather than argue for a particular theoretical position.
The book has broad appeal as it offers a balanced treatment of the linguistic, social, psychological and educational dimensions of SLA research. It will be illustrated with examples of English and other languages.
This is the ideal book for both beginning students of Applied Linguistics, or anyone in a related discipline looking for a first introduction to second language learning.

To those familiar with the field of linguistics and second-language acquisition, Stephen Krashen needs no introduction. He has published well over 300 books and articles and has been invited to deliver more than 300 lectures at universities throughout the United States and abroad. His widely known theory of second-language acquisition has had a huge impact on all areas of second-language research and teaching since the 1970s. This book amounts to a summary and assessment by Krashen of much of his work thus far, as well as a compilation of his thoughts about the future.

Here, readers can follow Krashen as he

• reviews the fundamentals of second-language acquisition theory
• presents some of the original research supporting the theory and more recent studies
• offers counterarguments to criticisms
• explores new areas that have promise for progress in both theory and application.

In the past 20 years the field of second language acquisition has developed into an independent and autonomous discipline complete with its own research agenda. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of conferences - of both a general and a topical nature - dealing exclusively with this topic, as well as special sessions on second language acquisition as part of larger conferences. Furthermore, the field now has journals devoted exclusively to its study as well as numerous edited volumes concentrating on specific subareas. Dealing with the ways in which second languages are learned, the authors take a multidisciplinary approach by presenting research emanating from other well-established disciplines - sociology, psychology, education and linguistics. The content is limited, for the most part, to a discussion of adult second language acquisition. Designed to be used in an introductory course for undergraduate or graduate students, the authors' goal is to make the information available to students with a wide variety of backgrounds. This volume was born out of the belief that the complexities of the field can and should be brought to the attention of many students - those intending to delve further into the field and those only curious about the pervasive phenomenon of learning a second language. The companion workbook audiocassette package for this text is available under Sorace Gass Selinker.

Specifically targeted towards the needs of a second language research audience, Second Language Research: Methodology and Design addresses basic issues related to research design, providing step-by-step instructions for how to carry out studies. This up-to-date text includes chapters that cover identifying research problems and questions; selecting elicitation measures; dealing with ethical issues related to data gathering; validity and reliability in research; research in second and foreign language classroom contexts; data description and coding; and data analysis. Also included is a chapter on the much needed and rarely addressed topic of writing up SLA research, giving concrete suggestions about preparing for publication. Principles of both qualitative and quantitative research are discussed in the context of design issues. Throughout the book, examples from applied linguistics, second language acquisition, and TESOL are provided. Helpful discussion and data-based skill-building exercises at the end of each chapter promote better understanding of the principles discussed. A glossary outlines the key terms in second language research. Second Language Research: Methodology and Design is an ideal textbook for introductory and advanced classes in second language research methods, as well as classes in related areas, for example, TESOL research methods.

This volume presents six alternative approaches to studying second language acquisition – 'alternative' in the sense that they contrast with and/or complement the cognitivism pervading the field. All six approaches – sociocultural, complexity theory, conversation-analytic, identity, language socialization, and sociocognitive – are described according to the same set of six headings, allowing for direct comparison across approaches.

Each chapter is authored by leading advocates for the approach described: James Lantolf for the sociocultural approach; Diane Larsen-Freeman for the complexity theory approach; Gabriele Kasper and Johannes Wagner for the conversation-analytic approach; Bonny Norton and Carolyn McKinney for the identity approach; Patricia Duff and Steven Talmy for the language socialization approach and Dwight Atkinson for the sociocognitive approach.

Introductory and commentary chapters round out this volume. The editor’s introduction describes the significance of alternative approaches to SLA studies given its strongly cognitivist orientation. Lourdes Ortega’s commentary considers the six approaches from an 'enlightened traditional' perspective on SLA studies – a viewpoint which is cognitivist in orientation but broad enough to give serious and balanced consideration to alternative approaches.

This volume is essential reading in the field of second language acquisition.

Written for students encountering the topic for the first time, this introduction explains in non-technical language how a second language is acquired; what the second language learner needs to know; and why some learners are more successful than others. The textbook logically introduces a range of fundamental concepts--such as SLA in adults and children, formal and informal learning contexts, and diverse socio-cultural settings. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to consider SLA from linguistic, psychological and social perspectives.

This book outlines the study of how people learn a language other than their mother tongue. It is designed to make the essentials of this rapidly expanding field as accessible as possible.

The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition brings together fifty leading international figures in the field to produce a state-of-the-art overview of Second Language Acquisition.

The Handbook covers a wide range of topics related to Second Language Acquisition: language in context, linguistic, psycholinguistic, and neurolinguistic theories and perspectives, skill learning, individual differences, L2 learning settings, and language assessment. All chapters introduce the reader to the topic, outline the core issues, then explore the pedagogical application of research in the area and possible future development.

The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition is an essential resource for all those studying and researching Second Language Acquisition.

Theories in Second Language Acquisition surveys the major theoretical approaches currently used in second language acquisition (SLA) research, providing a systematic and coherent presentation in a single source. Each chapter follows a consistent chapter model constructed around the same set of questions, including "What is the Theory?" "What are the major constructs?" "What counts as evidence?" "What are the common misunderstandings about the theory?" The answers to these questions are written at a basic level by a leading expert in the respective theoretical model. As a result, the volume as a whole presents complex ideas in an accessible manner.
 
The book’s methodical format allows for easy comparison of approaches. Topics of discussion throughout include:
*early theories in SLA;
*linguistic theory, universal grammar, and SLA;
*the concept-oriented approach;
*the associative-cognitive creed;
*skill acquisition theory; and
*processibility theory and autonomous induction.
 
Intended to serve as an introductory textbook for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students, Theories in Second Language Acquisition is an exceptionally thorough resource that effectively expounds the theoretical foundations of the field.

Research Methods in Second Language Acquisition: A Practical Guideis an informative guide to research design and methodology for graduate students and scholars. Each chapter of this volume offers background, step-by-step guidance, and relevant studies to create comprehensive coverage of each method.

• Includes chapters by expert scholars on an array of topics, including second language writing and reading, meta-analyses, research replication, qualitative data collection and analysis, and more
• Includes feature boxes in each chapter highlighting relevant research studies, discussion questions and suggested further readings
• Utilizes research methods and tools from varied fields of study including education, linguistics, psychology, and sociology