Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition: Methods, Theory, and Practice

Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition: Methods, Theory, and Practice
ISBN-10
1589010701
ISBN-13
9781589010703
Category
Foreign Language Study
Pages
332
Language
English
Published
2005
Publisher
Georgetown University Press
Author
Cristina Sanz

Description

How do people learn nonnative languages? And is there one part or function of our brains solely dedicated to language processing, or do we apply our general information-processing abilities when learning a new language? In this book, an interdisciplinary collaboration of scholars and researchers presents an overview of the latter approach to adult second language acquisition and brings together, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of the latest research on this subject. Clearly organized into four distinct but integrated parts, "Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition" first provides an introduction to information-processing approaches and the tools for students to understand the data. The next sections explain factors that affect language learning, both internal (attention and awareness, individual differences, and the neural bases of language acquisition) and external (input, interaction, and pedagogical interventions). It concludes by looking at two pedagogical applications: processing instruction and content based instruction. This important and timely volume is a must-read for students of language learning, second language acquisition, and linguists who want to better understand the information-processing approaches to learning a non-primary language. This book will also be of immense interest to language scholars, program directors, teachers, and administrators in both second language acquisition and cognitive psychology.

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