Bücher der Reihe Second Language Acquisition

This book explores the importance of cross-linguistic similarity in foreign language learning. While linguists have primarily focussed upon differences between languages, learners strive to make use of any similarities to prior linguistic knowledge they can perceive. The role of positive transfer is emphasized as well as the essential differences between comprehension and production. In comprehension of related languages, cross-linguistic similarities are easily perceived while in comprehension of distant languages they are merely assumed. Production may be based on previous perception of similarities, but frequently similarities are here merely assumed. Initially, effective learning is based on quick establishment of cross-linguistic one-to-one relations between individual items. As learning progresses, the learner learns to modify such oversimplified relations. The book describes the ways in which transfer affects different areas of language, taking account of the differences between learning a language perceived to be similar and a language where few or no cross-linguistic similarities can be established.

Modern languages are taught to young learners at an increasingly early age, yet few studies focus on what is available to children in different contexts and classrooms. This book examines current research on young language learners and provides key insights into how young learners progress.

This book focuses on L2 classroom discourse analysis in the light of Relevance Theory. Input for instructed L2 learners is understood as the language presented by the teacher in order to facilitate the process of L2 learning/acquisition. It will be of interest to L2 teachers, teacher educators, teacher trainees and SLA researchers.

The book focuses on one aspect of foreign language acquisition that has not received much attention, that of the effect of bilingualism in the oral production of the English language learners. Two research areas have tackled this issue separately. On the one hand, third language acquisition researchers have analysed bilingualism effects in the acquisition of a third language. On the other hand, studies in interlanguage pragmatics have taken into account variables affecting the use of request acts by second language learners of English. The two research areas are connected in this volume, as it deals with bilingualism effects in the pragmatic production and awareness of third language learners of English.The first part of the book includes a theoretical description of research conducted in the areas of third language acquisition and interlanguage pragmatics, and the second part presents a detailed description of the empirical study carried out in a multilingual speech community.

This book examines the evidence relative to the idea that there is an age factor in first and second language acquisition, evidence that has sources ranging from studies of feral children to evaluations of language programmes in primary schools. It goes on to explore the various explanations that have been advanced to account for such evidence. Finally, it looks at the educational ramifications of the age question, with particular regard to formal second language teaching in the early school years and in 'third age' contexts.

Within the complex process of second language acquisition there lies a highly variable component referred to as the silent period, during which some beginning second language learners may not willingly produce the target language. Silence in Second Language Learning claims that the silent period might represent a psychical event, a non-linguistic as well as a linguistic moment in the continuous process of identity formation and re-formation. Colette Granger calls on psychoanalytic concepts of anxiety, ambivalence, conflict and loss, and on language learning narratives, to undertake a theoretical dialogue with the learner as a being engaged in the psychical work of making, and re-making, an identity. Viewed in its entirety, this study takes the form of a kind of triangulation of three elements: the linguistically described phenomenon of the silent period; the psychoanalytically oriented problem of the making of the self; and the real and remembered experiences of individuals who live in the silent space between languages.

This book provides an up-to-date examination of technology-supported pedagogy and language acquisition in a variety of Japanese as a foreign or second language contexts. It equips readers with practical pedagogical information and ideas for how technology can be applied to achieve a wide range of learning objectives.

This book presents the current state of knowledge in the vibrant and diverse field of vocabulary studies, summarising the latest empirical studies and providing a firm indication of the future of the field. The chapters cover the key themes of theorizing and measuring vocabulary knowledge, formulaic language, and learning and teaching vocabulary.

This book addresses the need for research and guidance on testing multilingual students. The author introduces an integrated approach to testing and assessment; provides guidelines for test-writers, teachers and educators; and demonstrates how to use the integrated approach to testing and assessment in a multilingual educational context.

This book is the first in-depth examination of the application of theories of space to issues of second language learning. The author outlines a new conceptual framework for researching SLA that centres on the idea of 'language learning environments' and demonstrates that where people learn languages is equally as important as how they do so.

This book takes a critical perspective of research on assessing speaking in second and foreign languages. Chapters focus on the complexity brought about by actual interactional competence in speaking tasks and discuss how testing and assessment models and practices can incorporate recent research on the dynamic and situated nature of language use.

This book takes a critical perspective of research on assessing speaking in second and foreign languages. Chapters focus on the complexity brought about by actual interactional competence in speaking tasks and discuss how testing and assessment models and practices can incorporate recent research on the dynamic and situated nature of language use.

The comprehension, retention and production of idiomatic expressions is one of the most difficult areas of the lexicon for second language learners to master. This book investigates this under-researched and interesting aspect of language acquisition, shedding light on conventional uses of idiomatic expressions as well as creative variant forms.

This book presents the latest research on the role of strategy use and development in second and foreign language teaching and learning. It will equip scholars and practitioners with the knowledge to help them better appreciate how language learning strategies contribute to and are linked with language learning processes.

This book brings together many insights about the influences of one language upon another in language learning. Its accessible discussions explore key concerns such as predictions of difficulty, the role of translation processes, the relation between comprehension and production, and implications for classroom practice.

This accessible guide to Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) research presents practical methods and templates for how applied linguistics researchers can design and conduct research using the CDST framework and equips readers with the knowledge to ensure compatibility between empirical research designs and the theoretical tenets of complexity.

This book presents a study of literacy practices and language use of students of Japanese outside of the classroom, both in class-related and voluntary activities. It discusses how values, motivations and types of activities differ between the two contexts and concludes that slight changes to teaching practices may enhance autonomous learning.

This book unites studies on second language acquisition and interculturality in a study abroad context, providing timely perspectives on research in each area while also exploring the interface between them. Chapters highlight innovative themes such as social networks, input matters, learner identities and study abroad in lingua franca contexts.

This book discusses whether task-based language teaching is appropriate for all learners in all instructional contexts. Chapters cover both research and pedagogy and draw on the author's experience of working with teachers to suggest ways of addressing the problems they often face with task-based language teaching.

This book investigates the role of emotions in multilinguals' lives and the nexus between languages, gender and emotions. Results show the similarities and differences in how multilinguals express their emotions in different languages and support the call for a change of paradigm towards a holistic approach to multilingualism and emotion research.

This book focuses on how both nonnative and native teachers may enhance their handling of target language pragmatics in the classroom and provides ideas that both sets of teachers may draw on to compensate for gaps in their knowledge. Focus is also given to learner strategies and motivation, technological advances, assessment and research methods.

This book addresses fundamental questions regarding the relationships between successful language learning and strategy use and development, according to learner, situational or target variables. This new edition includes an analysis of recent literature, an update on the theoretical debate and an extended research methodology section.

This book introduces an innovative collection of easy-to-use computer programs that have been developed to measure and model vocabulary knowledge. It aims to help second language acquisition researchers explore some new instruments for L2 vocabulary research, providing examples of how the tools might be used in real research projects.

This book highlights the pivotal role that nonverbal behavior plays in target language communication, affect and cognition. It integrates research tenets and video demonstrations of nonverbal behavior with structured activities that will guide teachers and learners to capitalize on the nonverbal means at their disposal.

Combining advanced quantitative methods in classroom research with individual-level qualitative data, this study demonstrates that the capacity of late starters vastly surpasses popular expectations. It shows that age of onset is irrelevant for many aspects of language acquisition and that for a variety of reasons a later onset can be beneficial.

The book investigates theories and measures of working memory in second language learning, processing and development. Research syntheses, theoretical perspectives and methodological insights illuminate the relationships between working memory components and functions in connection with specific L2 acquisition domains, skills and processes.

This book explores how complex systems theory can contribute to the understanding of classroom language learner motivation through an extended examination of the dynamic conditions operating in a foreign language classroom in Japan. Its reflexive, narrative approach shines light on the evolving nature of research and role of the researcher.

This book considers the potential of written corrective feedback to facilitate second language (L2) development. It draws on cognitive and sociocultural theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence to explore some of the factors that explain why written corrective feedback may or may not lead to L2 development.

This book brings together linguistic, psycholinguistic and educational perspectives on the phenomenon of cognate vocabulary across languages. It discusses extensive qualitative and quantitative data on Polish-English cognates and their use by learners/users of English to show the importance of cognates in language acquisition and learning.