Learning Language

Learning Language: First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition is the first textbook to offer a holistic introduction to language acquisition, combining from three key fields: child first language acquisition, bi- and mulitilingual acquisition, and second language acquisition.Rich in pedagogy, this innovative book adopts a distinct interdisciplinary approach to coherently explain how languages are learned. Organised around the linguistic targets of acquisition (sounds, words, structures, communication), the book offers a clear and deep understanding of the commonalities and divergence among these three research traditions. In this volume, Adams, Warren and Wright survey both the core theory principles and research practices in each area. They support students, researchers, and instructors by providing clear explanations, illustrative examples, and a wide range of instructional materials: from an overview of key research methods and guiding theories to definitions of key terms, reflection questions to spark discussion, and class exercises. Downloadable material is also available, including practical exercises, additional readings, and suggested research topics. Instructors and readers can choose to follow the book structure or to use the three sections within each of parts II–IV independently, focusing on each type of language acquisition in turn.This unique book provides an ideal basis for introductory courses in language acquisition, ESOL, applied linguistics for language teaching, child language development, and speech pathology programs. It also serves as a flexible and accessible resource for anyone interested in applied linguistics and language acquisition.

Rebecca Adams is Professor of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, University of Memphis, USA. Her research focuses on the role of conversational interaction in promoting second language development. She is the author of Learning a Language with Peers: Elevating Classroom Voices (Routledge, 2023) and Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning (Routledge, 2014), as well as articles and book chapters on peer learning, collaborative writing, and feedback in second language classrooms.Paul Warren is Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Before retirement, Paul’s teaching and research were in psycholinguistics, phonetics, and laboratory phonology. He is a founding member of the Association for Laboratory Phonology, and a member of the Australasian Speech Science Technology Association and the International Phonetic Association. His publications include several books as well as contributions in edited collections, including The Routledge Handbook of Sociophonetics (Routledge, 2023).Lyn Wright is Professor of Applied Linguistics and TESOL, University of Memphis, USA. Her research and publications investigate language socialization and family language policy in bi- and multilingual families. She serves on the editorial board for the journal Language and Education.