Second Language Learning Theories "Mitchell, Rosamond"

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

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.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Second language learning: key concepts and issues
• 2 The recent history of second language learning research
• 3 Linguistics and language learning: the Universal Grammar approach
• 4 Cognitive approaches to second language learning
• 5 Functional/pragmatic perspectives on second language learning
• 6 Input and interaction in second language learning
• 7 Socio-cultural perspectives on second language learning
• 8 Sociolinguistic perspectives
• 9 Conclusion

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Mitchell and Myles (education and linguistics, respectively, both Univ. of Southampton, UK) here update their introductory overview of the current state of second-language acquisition studies, a volume that first appeared in 1998. Though the first three chapters--covering key concepts and issues, recent history of related research, and the Universal Grammar Approach--include only minor changes, the later chapters have been modified substantially, particularly in the area of sociolinguistics. For example, chapter 4, which treats cognitive approaches, has been considerably improved by reorganization into two main sections: processing approaches and connectionism. The discussion on functional/pragmatic perspectives in chapter 5 includes two new sections--one on "time talk," the other on the aspect hypothesis--and several recent theories on input and interaction have been added to chapter 6. Chapter 8, on sociolinguistic perspectives, also incorporates recent theories, among them situated learning, power relations, and construction of identity. Libraries that own the first edition of this volume will want to replace it with this updated version, which provides a detailed, comprehensive overview for those beginning to study second-language acquisition. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Graduate collections. D. Amsberry CUNY La Guardia Community College