Learning Language by Adams, Rebecca; Warren, Paul; Wright, Lyn;

Short description:

Learning Language: First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition is the first textbook to offer a holistic introduction to language acquisition, combining from three key fields: child first language acquisition, bi- and mulitilingual acquisition, and second language acquisition.

Long description:

Learning Language: First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition is the first textbook to offer a holistic introduction to language acquisition, combining from three key fields: child first language acquisition, bi- and mulitilingual acquisition, and second language acquisition.

Rich in pedagogy, this innovative book adopts a distinct interdisciplinary approach to coherently explain how languages are learned. Organised around the linguistic targets of acquisition (sounds, words, structures, communication), the book offers a clear and deep understanding of the commonalities and divergence among these three research traditions. In this volume, Adams, Warren and Wright survey both the core theory principles and research practices in each area. They support students, researchers, and instructors by providing clear explanations, clear examples, and a wide range of instructional materials: from an overview of key research methods and guiding theories to definitions of key terms, reflection questions to spark discussion, and class exercises. Downloadable material is also available, including practical exercises, additional readings, and suggested research topics. Instructors and readers can choose to follow the book structure or to use the three main sections independently, focusing on each type of language acquisition in turn.

This unique book provides an ideal basis for introductory courses in Language Acquisition, ESOL, Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching, Child Language Development, and Speech Pathology programs. It also serves as a flexible and accessible resource for anyone interested in applied linguistics and language acquisition.

"This book provides a comprehensive description of the many facets of First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition. Adams, Warren and Wright bring together a thoughtful and rigorous exploration of these three types of acquisitions and examine their similarities and differences. They draw on different theoretical positions and a large body of research literature which includes in depth descriptions of the various data collections that have been used. This is a book that will be extremely useful for those wishing to extend their understanding of how languages are acquired in different contexts."
Rhonda Oliver, Curtin University, Australia

"An engaging, research-forward introduction to language learning across contexts!  Adams, Warren and Wright offer a research-based understanding of distinct but related types of language acquisition (first, bilingual and second).  Readers gain insight into the overlaps and contrasts across these processes as well how this knowledge base draws from varied theoretical frameworks and fields."
Kendall King, Professor of Multilingual Education, C&I, University of Minnesota, USA

"This readable, informative and balanced introduction to first, second and bi-/multi-lingual language learning reflects the realities of the modern world, where acquiring only a single language is becoming vanishingly rare. As such it provides a solid foundation both for more advanced study and for application to modern teaching and therapy."
Susan Foster-Cohen, Associate Professor, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Table of Contents:

Part I: What is Language Acquisition?  1. Introduction to Language Acquisition  2. Diverse Contexts of Language Acquisition  3. Theories of Language Acquisition  Part II: Sounds and Words  4. Acquiring Sounds and Words in a First Language  5. Acquiring Sounds and Words in Two or More Languages  6. Acquiring Sounds and Words in a Second Language  Part III: Structures  7. Developing Structures in a First Language  8. Developing Structures in Two or More Languages        9. Developing Structures in a Second Language  Part IV: Communication  10. Emerging Communication in a First Language  11. Emerging Communication in Two or More Languages  12. Emerging Communication in a Second Language  Part V: Continuity  13. Continuities in Language Acquisition