Language Acquisition and Development: Studies of Learners of First and Other Languages

Description

This book presents new research in the field of language acquisition and development. The contributors pay attention to first language development and other language acquisition (second, foreign and additional), and focus on issues directly relevant to both areas of investigation. One of the main aims of the book is to discover how research and practice in first language development can contribute to the teaching and learning of other languages, and vice versa. The book is distinctive in this area in its application of theoretical findings to the development of principles, objectives and procedures for language learning. This practical focus can also be seen in the open-minded approach taken to the interpretation of the evidence presented in the book. Rather than setting out to prove any particular hypothesis, the book aims to develop practical applications relating to the tendencies indicated by the research. Language Acquisition and Development will be of interest to postgraduates and academics researching language acquisition, language development and applied linguistics and to language teachers with an interest in language learning theory.

Brian Tomlinson is Professor of TESOL at Anaheim University, USA and Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool, UK. He has worked in Japan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, the UK, Vanuatu and Zambia, and is Founder and President of the Materials Development Association (MATSDA).

"Due to its accessible style and transparent data analysis, the volume will be of use not only to academics and practitioners but also to interested undergraduates of linguistics or education...Overall, this collection is thoughtfully compiled; the chapters are well written, well supported, and well referenced. It is a valuable resource in the field of language acquisition." - Catherine Davies, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, September 2008 -- Catherine Davies "This is an informative and valuable book for both practitioners and researchers. For those engaged in day-to-day teaching, it provides insightful and concrete suggestions on how to supplement traditional routines with more inventive techniques, and for those dedicated to theoretical inquiry of language and literacy development, it minimally exhibits what can be gained when familiar and often arbitrarily demarcated territory is surpassed. Given that most chapters are written without excessive use of technical jargon, they are also accessible to students of applied linguistics and those preparing to be teachers of English as a L2." -Enchao Shi, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, December 2008 "The volume has been described as ''an intelligently edited, probing and innovative set of studies balanced between social and psychological insights'' (Ronald Carter, Chair of the British Association for Applied Linguistics). I would add that the practical character of the book renders it an excellent resource ...Overall, this collection is thoughtfully compiled; the chapters well-written, well-supported and well-referenced. It is a valuable resource in the field of language acquisition." Catherine N. Davies, Department of English Language and communication, Kingston University, UK, Linguist List, 2007 -- Catherine N. Davies, Department of English Language and communication, Kingston University, UK * Linguist List *