This fourth edition of the best-selling Theories in Second Language Acquisition surveys the major theories and frameworks currently used in second language acquisition (SLA) research, serving as an ideal introductory text for graduate students in SLA and language teaching.

Designed to provide a consistent and coherent presentation for those seeking a basic understanding of the theories and frameworks that underlie contemporary SLA research, each chapter focuses on a single theory. Chapters are written by leading scholars in the field and incorporate a basic foundational description of the theory, relevant data or research models used with this theory, common misunderstandings, and a sample study from the field to show the theory in practice. New to this fully revised edition is the incorporation of a new theoretical framework to replace several lesser-used theories.

A key work in the study of second language acquisition, this volume will be useful to students of linguistics, language, and language teaching, and to researchers as a guide to theoretical work outside their respective domains.

Table of Contents

Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgments

1 Introduction: The Nature of Theories

Bill VanPatten, Jessica Williams, Gregory D. Keating, and Stefanie Wulff

2 Linguistic Theory, Universal Grammar, and Second Language Acquisition

Lydia White

3 Usage-Based Approaches to L2 Acquisition

Nick C. Ellis and Stefanie Wulff

4 Input Processing in Adult L2 Acquisition

Bill VanPatten

5 Processability Theory

Manfred Pienemann and Anke Lenzing

6 The Declarative/Procedural Model: A Neurobiologically Motivated Theory of First and Second Language

Michael T. Ullman

7 Skill Acquisition Theory

Robert DeKeyser and Yuichi Suzuki

8 Input, Interaction, and Output in L2 Acquisition

Susan M. Gass, Alison Mackey, and Meg Montee

9 Complex Dynamic Systems Theory

Diane Larsen-Freeman and Phil Hiver

10 The Modular Cognition Framework

Michael Sharwood Smith and John Truscott

11 Theories, Frameworks, and Models: Implications for Language Teaching?

Bill VanPatten

Glossary

Index

This third edition of the best-selling Theories in Second Language Acquisition surveys the major theories currently used in second language acquisition (SLA) research, serving as an ideal introductory text for undergraduate and graduate students in SLA and language teaching.

Designed to provide a consistent and coherent presentation for those seeking a basic understanding of the theories that underlie contemporary SLA research, each chapter focuses on a single theory. Chapters are written by leading scholars in the field and incorporate a basic foundational description of the theory, relevant data or research models used with this theory, common misunderstandings, and a sample study from the field to show the theory in practice.

New to this edition is a chapter addressing the relationship between theories and L2 teaching, as well as refreshed coverage of all theories throughout the book. A key work in the study of second language acquisition, this volume will be useful to students of linguistics, language and language teaching, and to researchers as a guide to theoretical work outside their respective domains.

Table of Contents

Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1. Introduction: The Nature of Theories

Bill VanPatten, Jessica Williams, Gregory D. Keating and Stefanie Wulff

Chapter 2. Linguistic Theory, Universal Grammar, and Second Language Acquisition

Lydia White

Chapter 3. One Functional Approach to L2 Acquisition: The Concept-Orientated Approach

Kathleen Bardovi-Harlig

Chapter 4. Usage-Based Approaches to L2 Acquisition

Nick C. Ellis and Stefanie Wulff

Chapter 5. Skill Acquisition Theory

Robert DeKeyser

Chapter 6. Input Processing in Adult L2 Acquisition

Bill VanPatten

Chapter 7. The Declarative/Procedural Model: A Neurobiologically Motivated Theory of First and Second Language

Michael T. Ullman

Chapter 8. Processability Theory

Manfred Pienemann and Anke Lenzing

Chapter 9. Input, Interaction, and Output in L2 Acquisition

Susan M. Gass and Alison Mackey

Chapter 10. Sociocultural Theory and L2 Development

James P. Lantolf, Matthew E. Poehner, and Steven L. Thorne

Chapter 11. Complex Dynamic Systems Theory

Diane Larsen-Freeman

Chapter 12. Theories and Language Teaching

Bill VanPatten

Glossary　

Index

Starting from the premise that language instruction should be informed by how humans learn language, this module on second language acquisition (SLA) aims to provide teachers at any level with a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the key findings about how second languages are learned in adulthood. This module explores a variety of topics, including the mechanisms in the mind responsible for language acquisition, the roles that input and output play in acquisition, and how language develops in the learner's mind over time. Furthermore, the module explores the many factors believed to impact the outcome of SLA, such as the role of the native language, individual differences in aptitude and motivation, and age of acquisition.