Short description:

A basic, reader-friendly introduction to American English linguistics for teachers of ESL, written in a conversational style with technical vocabulary introduced in meaningful contexts. Applications to the ESL classroom are presented in a direct way. More

Long description:

Linguistics for L2 Teachers is designed to help bilingual and ESL teachers better understand how and why the English language works, and to broaden their abilities to help their students learn about the various functions of English in the real world. It is not a complete curriculum in English linguistics, but rather, a foundation from which teachers can continue to grow and to teach with greater confidence. The reader-friendly, conversational style makes the concepts easily accessible to preservice and in-service teachers who have little or no previous experience in language study. This textbook:
* explains various aspects of English using non-technical terminology;
* goes beyond the study of grammar to examine the functions of language, not just its form;
* presents language applications in L2 classrooms; and
* clearly delineates the significance of chapter topics for L2 teachers and students.

Each chapter includes prereading activities to enhance the reader's comprehension; postreading activities to expand and elaborate the concepts; and interactive "Be A Linguist" activities to help readers think in ways similar to the ways linguists think and to provide opportunities to apply ideas explained within the chapter.

Intended for all teachers of students for whom English is a new language, this text will help them be better prepared to meet the important challenges and questions they encounter in their classrooms.

"It is written in mainly non-technical language and is easy to read. Terms are clearly defined and lots of examples are provided....This book would be an asset to someone interested in developing communicative competence in American English."
&&&8212;LINGUIST List

"Andrews approaches his subject as an old friend would approach a social conversation: he's chatty, informal, humorous and quite engaging....the book provides gems that the ESL...teacher can actually use..."
&&&8212;Language Awareness

"On the whole this book is useful."
&&&8212;TESL-EJ

"Andrews does an exceptional job of inviting readers into a dialogue about how language works and why it is important for teachers of ENL students to have a grasp on how English speakers use and understand language. I commend the author for approaching American English linguistics by highlighting meaning and the social nature of language. The book presents complex ideas using familiar language, and challenges readers/students to make sense of them....It treats readers as professionals who can improve their teaching by understanding and discussing the nature of language in society, and how English, with all its varieties, works in communication....This is the kind of text on American English linguistics that I have been awaiting a long time."
&&&8212;Christian Faltis
Arizona State University

Table of Contents:

Contents: Preface. Introduction. Some Basic Features of Language and Communication. Words and Dictionaries. English Use and Usage. Social Conventions and English Use. American English Variations. Meaning and Signification.