Wiley Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices (Linguistics in the World)

Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices represents a clear and concise introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies aimed specifically at undergraduates encountering the topic for the first time.Follows six fictitious language learners throughout the text whose stories serve to introduce various concepts and issuesContains specific chapters on first language acquisition and bilingualism, as well as explicit references to the most recent and important researchCovers key topics including acquisition contexts, theoretical perspectives, language teaching methods, second language development, and individual differences (such as age, aptitude, and motivation)Grabs student attention with lighthearted cartoons that illustrate and reinforce key ideasFeatures a full range of pedagogical tools to aid student learning, including “language learning in practice” textboxes; bolded new terms defined in the margins; an end-of-book glossary; self-assessment and classroom discussion questions; exercise and project ideas; and further online viewing sections Review “Readers will recognize the voice of an experienced teacher as they make their way through Introducing Second Language Acquisition.” —Carol A. Chapelle, Iowa State University"Kirsten Hummel's textbook does an excellent job of introducing the complexity of second language acquisition in a student-friendly format for undergraduate courses. Real-life characters help ground empirical learning phenomena and their theoretical explanations." —Elisabet Service, McMaster University From the Inside Flap Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practicesrepresents a clear and concise introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies, aimed specifically at students encountering the topic for the first time. This textbook combines a full range of engaging pedagogical features and comprehensive coverage, with an accessible and lighthearted approach which will appeal to students.Opening with a chapter on first language acquisition, the book addresses topics such as institutional settings, the theoretical underpinnings of SLA, language teaching methods, individual differences (including age, aptitude, and motivation), and concludes with a full discussion of bilingualism.  Explained in accessible language with a focus on practical applications, discussions are backed up with references to the latest and most important research. The text aids student learning with “language learning in practice” textboxes; bolded new terms defined in the margins; an end-of-book glossary; self-assessment and classroom discussion questions; exercise and project ideas; and further online viewing sections. Featuring the stories of six language learners, IntroducingSecond Language Acquisition engages 21st-century learners with a digestible layout and attention-grabbing cartoons that illustrate new ideas.  With a strong focus on the fundamentals, this is an innovative guide to second language acquisition ideal for introductory students in a range of disciplines. From the Back Cover Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practicesrepresents a clear and concise introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies, aimed specifically at students encountering the topic for the first time. This textbook combines a full range of engaging pedagogical features and comprehensive coverage, with an accessible and lighthearted approach which will appeal to students.Opening with a chapter on first language acquisition, the book addresses topics such as institutional settings, the theoretical underpinnings of SLA, language teaching methods, individual differences (including age, aptitude, and motivation), and concludes with a full discussion of bilingualism.  Explained in accessible language