Theory Construction in Second Language Acquisition

Theory Construction in Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Geoff Jordan
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
ISBN: 9781588114822
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Recently, many SLA researchers have adopted a postmodernist approach which challenges the assumption that SLA research is a rationalist, scientific endeavour. The resulting epistemological arguments, plus problems of theory proliferation, contradicting theories, and theory domain, hinder progress towards a unified theory of SLA. "Theory Construction in SLA" addresses these problems by returning to first principles; it asks whether there is such a thing as reliable knowledge, what is special about scientific method, and how we can best explain SLA. It is the first book to use the philosophy of science in order to examine the epistemological underpinnings of SLA research and evaluate rival theories of SLA. Part One explores the central issues in the philosophy of science, defends rationality against relativists, and offers Guidelines for theory assessment. Part Two examines different theories of SLA and evaluates them in terms of how well they stand up to the Guidelines.

The Handbook of Advanced Proficiency in Second Language Acquisition

The Handbook of Advanced Proficiency in Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Paul A. Malovrh
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119261627
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 608

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Book Description
A comprehensive, current review of the research and approaches to advanced proficiency in second language acquisition The Handbook of Advanced Proficiency in Second Language Acquisition offers an overview of the most recent and scientific-based research concerning higher proficiency in second language acquisition (SLA). With contributions from an international team of experts in the field, the Handbook presents several theoretical approaches to SLA and offers an examination of advanced proficiency from the viewpoint of various contexts and dimensions of second language performance. The authors also review linguistic phenomena among advanced learners through the lens of phonology and grammar development. Comprehensive in scope, this book provides an overview of advanced proficiency grounded in socially-relevant domains of second language acquisition including discourse, reading, genre-based writing, and pragmatic competence. The authoritative volume brings together the theoretical accounts of advanced language use combined with solid empirical research. Includes contributions from an international collection of noted scholars in the field of second language acquisition Offers a variety of theoretical approaches to SLA Contains information on the most recent empirical research that contributes to an understanding of SLA Describes performance phenomena according to multiple approaches to SLA Written for scholars, students and linguists, The Handbook of Advanced Proficiency in Second Language Acquisition is a comprehensive text that offers the most recent developments in the study of advanced proficiency in the acquisition of a second language.

Developing Communicative Competence in a Second Language

Developing Communicative Competence in a Second Language PDF Author: Robin C. Scarcella
Publisher: Newbury House Publishers
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 392

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Book Description


Performance and Competence in Second Language Acquisition

Performance and Competence in Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Gillian Brown
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 0521558611
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
This volume explores the competence/performance distinction with reference to second language acquisition.

A Philosophy of Second Language Acquisition

A Philosophy of Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Marysia Johnson
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300129416
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 217

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Book Description
divdivHow does a person learn a second language? In this provocative book, Marysia Johnson proposes a new model of second language acquisition (SLA)—a model that shifts the focus from language competence (the ability to pass a language exam) to language performance (using language competently in real-life contexts). Johnson argues that current SLA theory and research is heavily biased in the direction of the cognitive and experimental scientific tradition. She shows that most models of SLA are linear in nature and subscribe to the conduit metaphor of knowledge transfer: the speaker encodes a message, the hearer decodes the sent message. Such models establish a strict demarcation between learners’ mental and social processes. Yet the origin of second language acquisition is located not exclusively in the learner’s mind but also in a dialogical interaction conducted in a variety of sociocultural and institutional settings, says the author. Drawing on Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Bakhtin’s literary theory, she constructs an alternative framework for second language theory, research, teaching, and testing. This approach directs attention toward the investigation of dynamic and dialectical relationships between the interpersonal (social) plane and the intrapersonal (individual) plane. Johnson’s model shifts the focus of SLA away from a narrow emphasis on language competence toward a broader view that encompasses the interaction between language competence and performance. Original and controversial, A Philosophy of Second Language Acquisition offers: · an introduction to Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Bakhtin’s literary theory, both of which support an alternative framework for second language acquisition; · an examination of the existing cognitive bias in SLA theory and research; · a radically new model of second language acquisition. /DIV/DIV

Speaking in a Second Language

Speaking in a Second Language PDF Author: Rosa Alonso Alonso
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
ISBN: 9027264325
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 257

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Book Description
For millions of individuals all over the world, speaking in a second language is a daily activity. It is therefore important that research in applied linguistics should contribute empirically to the study of second language spoken interaction. The aim of this volume is to make such a contribution by providing research-based insights into current approaches to the teaching and learning of this skill. Two key dimensions define the papers included here−their novelty and scope. First, the book provides a novel approach to the study of speaking in a second language by combining recent findings in usage-based linguistics with current issues in teaching. Second, the chapters cover a range of theoretical perspectives, including sociolinguistic and interactional competence, gestures, dynamic systems theory and code-switching. The volume offers a contemporary analysis of research in second language speaking that will be of interest to researchers, graduate students, teachers and other professionals working in the fields of communication and applied linguistics.

Advancedness in Second Language Spanish

Advancedness in Second Language Spanish PDF Author: Mandy R. Menke
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
ISBN: 902726032X
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 524

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Book Description
This book analyzes the construct of advanced proficiency in second language learning by bringing together empirical research from numerous linguistic domains and methodological traditions. Focusing on the dynamic nature of language use, the volume explores diverse manifestations of high-level second language Spanish, including performance on standardized proficiency assessments, acquisition of late-acquired linguistic structures, sophisticated language use in context, and individual differences. Chapters relate empirical findings to current definitions of advancedness, challenging scholars and practitioners to re-consider existing conceptualizations, and propose possible directions for future research and teaching with second language speakers of Spanish. By addressing larger issues in the field of second language learning, the volume is a valuable reference for language teachers, scholars, professionals and students with an interest in second language acquisition generally, and second language Spanish, more specifically.

Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition

Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Stephen D. Krashen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Language and languages
Languages : en
Pages : 202

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Book Description


Theory Construction in Second Language Acquisition

Theory Construction in Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Geoff Jordan
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
ISBN: 9781588114822
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Recently, many SLA researchers have adopted a postmodernist approach which challenges the assumption that SLA research is a rationalist, scientific endeavour. The resulting epistemological arguments, plus problems of theory proliferation, contradicting theories, and theory domain, hinder progress towards a unified theory of SLA. "Theory Construction in SLA" addresses these problems by returning to first principles; it asks whether there is such a thing as reliable knowledge, what is special about scientific method, and how we can best explain SLA. It is the first book to use the philosophy of science in order to examine the epistemological underpinnings of SLA research and evaluate rival theories of SLA. Part One explores the central issues in the philosophy of science, defends rationality against relativists, and offers Guidelines for theory assessment. Part Two examines different theories of SLA and evaluates them in terms of how well they stand up to the Guidelines.

Cognition and Second Language Acquisition

Cognition and Second Language Acquisition PDF Author: Thorsten Piske
Publisher: Narr Francke Attempto Verlag
ISBN: 3823301616
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 441

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Book Description
This volume examines interactions between second/foreign language acquisition and the development of cognitive abilities in learners who acquire an additional language in preschools, primary or secondary schools. The chapters explore possible links between cognitive and linguistic skills displayed by multilingual learners. This book should appeal to different kinds of readers such as linguists, psychologists and language teachers.

Second Language Identity in Narratives of Study Abroad

Second Language Identity in Narratives of Study Abroad PDF Author: P. Benson
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137029420
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 165

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Book Description
Study abroad is now both an international industry and an experience that can have a deep impact on students' attitudes and approaches to second language learning. Narratives of Second Language Identity in Study Abroad brings together three important research areas by exploring the impact of study abroad on second language identities through narrative research. It outlines a new model of second language identity that incorporates a range of language and personal competencies. The three main dimensions of this model are explored in chapters that begin with students' study abroad narratives, followed by the authors' in-depth analysis. Further chapters use narratives to assess the impact of programme type and individual difference. Arguing that second language identity development is one of the more important outcomes of study abroad, the book concludes with recommendations on how study abroad programmes can best achieve this outcome.