The chapters in this volume, all written by experts in the field, present an array of new research on second language acquisition (SLA) that touches on several current theoretical debates in the field and present a rich range of new empirical data and a number of innovative findings. The studies address questions relating to ultimate attainment, first language transfer, universal properties of SLA, processing and second language (L2) grammar, and explore a number of grammatical features of the L2: tense, aspect, modality, specificity, definiteness, gender, number, anaphora. These themes are complemented by the study of pragmatic competence in sociocultural aspects of register use. The students investigated in the studies range from heritage speakers to naturalistic learners, to instructed learners and immigrants. Another distinctive feature of this book is the inclusion of pedagogical recommendations based on L2 research, making the book relevant for both SLA researchers and language teachers.
A welcome and well-planned contribution to SLA research. Contributions from rising stars and established top names bring valuable insights into how to relate linguistic theory to the L2 classroom. The variety of research questions, methodologies, and range of languages included makes this volume an essential addition to any SLA-focused reading list for researchers, students and practitioners.
- Clare Wright, University of Leeds, UKA timely volume drawing on different approaches in innovative and exciting ways! The contributors do a brilliant job bringing together generative linguistics and theories of processing to give us novel insights on the L2 representation of a range of grammatical features, as well as sociocultural aspects of register use. Impressively, and a rare occurrence in our field, they also draw the implications of their work for pedagogy.
- Florence Myles, University of Essex, UKThe focus on L2 French and Spanish in this collection, including psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic and organic grammar treatments, is complemented by pedagogical and pragmatic information. This volume will be of great interest to those striving to improve what they do in the classroom based on sound SLA research.
- Linda McManness, Baylor University, USA
Deborah Arteaga is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA. She is widely regarded as an expert on French and Spanish applied linguistics, as well as historical French syntax, and has published extensively in these areas.
