Understanding Second Language Acquisition (Hodder Arnold Publication) (Understanding Language) [Paperback]

Lourdes Ortega (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 28, 2009 | ISBN-10: 034090559X | ISBN-13: 978-0340905593 | Edition: 1

Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is a theoretical and experimental field of study which looks at the phenomenon of the acquisition of second languages.
Understanding Second Language Acquisition provides an approachable but authoritative introduction to this area of linguistics. The basics are carefully explained and there are pointers for further study. In this book, the author concentrates on the essential notions involved rather than argue for a particular theoretical position.
The book has broad appeal as it offers a balanced treatment of the linguistic, social, psychological and educational dimensions of SLA research. It will be illustrated with examples of English and other languages.
This is the ideal book for both beginning students of Applied Linguistics, or anyone in a related discipline looking for a first introduction to second language learning.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lourdes Ortega has succeeded admirably in her goal of helping students construct personal understandings of the interdisciplinary field of SLA. She is thorough in presenting the most up-to-date research bearing on the important controversies in SLA and does so with an engaging, personable, reader-friendly style that invites students to stay focused on the broader meanings of the research findings. -- Professor Mark Sawyer, Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan My students thoroughly enjoyed this text. It provides a thorough and yet accessible overview of major theories and trends in the field. I believe it is destined to become the standard text for survey courses on SLA. --Linda Harklau, University of Georgia, USA

About the Author

Lourdes Ortega is Assistant Professor in the Department of Second Language Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Trans-Atlantic Publications, Inc.; 1 edition (January 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034090559X
• ISBN-13: 978-0340905593
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #253,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great intro to SLA, October 29, 2010

By 

ems "alyssum2003" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Understanding Second Language Acquisition (Hodder Arnold Publication) (Understanding Language) (Paperback)

I used this book in my graduate SLA class and it was really great. The author does a good job of clearly explaining the different issues. She gives a good overview and resources for further study as well as giving explanations of significant studies that have contributed to the field of SLA.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to SLA, November 14, 2011

By 

Craig (Springfield, OR) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Understanding Second Language Acquisition (Hodder Arnold Publication) (Understanding Language) (Paperback)

I used this for my SLA class as well and I'm definitely not returning it. Ortega does her research and you gets tons of ideas and methods and theories from even more researches. It is a wonderful introduction to many many aspects of SLA and has definitely peaked a huge interest in a subject I didn't think I'd love. She puts things clearly and the book is very organized.