An up-to-date overview of second language acquisition, designed to engage 21st-century learners Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the main concepts, issues, and debates in second language acquisition studies. This introductory textbook is aimed specifically at students encountering the topic for the first time. Each chapter offers a modern layout with engaging pedagogical features such as self-assessment and discussion questions, project ideas, and further reading and viewing suggestions. The second edition of Introducing Second Language Acquisition: Perspectives and Practices has been fully updated to reflect the most recent scholarship in the field. It introduces a new structure, featuring separate chapters on theoretical perspectives which cover past and present approaches as well as cognitive approaches. New content also includes sections on skill acquisition theory, translanguaging, second language literacy development, and multilingualism. Written in accessible language and with a focus on practical applications, this go-to textbook is a clear and concise introduction to second language acquisition studies, offering lessons drawn from the latest leading research. It is an ideal resource for students in applied linguistics and second language education. This key text offers: Comprehensive coverage of the latest research in second language acquisition studies Improved organizational structure to promote greater student comprehension Engaging introduction to the theoretical underpinnings of second language acquisition, with chapters on first language acquisition and bilingualism and multilingualism Coverage of key topics including acquisition contexts, theoretical perspectives, language teaching methods, and individual differences Pedagogical tools to aid student learning, including "language learning in practice" textboxes, bolded terms defined in the margins, and an end-of-book glossary With a strong focus on the fundamentals, this second edition of Introducing Second Language Acquisition stands as an innovative guide. This book is ideal for today's undergraduate students, offering a practical focus and appealing format that will aid in learning and provide a solid foundation for further study.

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 issues * Contains specific chapters on first language acquisition and bilingualism, as well as explicit references to the most recent and important research * Covers 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 ideas * Features 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

Eine Vaterschaftssache ist mit der gutachterlichen Stellungnahme nicht erschopft. Am Ende steht vielmehr die Entscheidung des Richters, der im Gegensatz zum Gut- achter aIle Fakten zu beriicksichtigen hat, die flir oder gegen die Vaterschaft eines Beklagten sprechen. Es ist daher von Interesse, die bei der Vaterschaftsdiagnostik verwendeten Verfahren vor dem Hintergrund der Entscheidungstheorie der mathe- matischen Statistik zu betrachten, ein Vorgehen, wie es bereits bei Walter (1971) zu finden ist. Zur Auswahl stehen die sog. Bayes- und Minimaxstrategien, die beide zu verschiedenen Anforderungen an den Gutachter flihren. Einer Theorie kann man die Analyse des Verhaltens eines Richters zugrunde legen und dieses durch Defini- tionen, Axiome und Regeln nachzubilden suchen - notwendigerweise vereinfacht, aber dadurch klarer und durchsichtiger -, oder man stellt Prinzipien auf, die zu ei- nem verniinftigen Entscheidungsverhalten flihren, das man zum MaBstab flir die kiinftige Arbeit machen kann. Die hier vorgestellte Entscheidungstheorie beschrei- tet den zweiten Weg. Sie dient nicht dem Zweck, die richterliche Funktion durch ein mathematisches Verfahren zu ersetzen, zeigt aber, welche GroBen bei einem op- timalen Entscheidungsverfahren zu beriicksichtigen sind. Ein ganz wesentlicher Bei- trag kommt hierbei yom Gutachter: das Likelihoodverhaltnis A = Y IX, in dem Zah- ler und Nenner die Terzettenwahrscheinlichkeiten bei Nichtvaterschaft (Y) und Vaterschaft (X) bedeuten. IgY IX + 10 ist in Anlehnung an Essen-MOller als EM- Wert bekannt. Wahrend die Bayessche Theorie mit A weiterarbeitet und A-priori- Wahrscheinlichkeiten einbezieht, wird bei der MinimaxlOsung auf diese Wahr- scheinlichkeiten verzichtet und A durch das Verhaltnis der zugehorigen Ober- bzw.