Second Language Acquisition: An Introductory Course

Now in its sixth edition, this bestselling textbook remains the cornerstone for the study of second language acquisition, providing a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to SLA.

This substantially revised and updated edition has been edited into ten chapters, with a focus on the most frequently taught core themes and increased accessibility. A new introductory chapter provides a concise overview of the history of the field. Omitted chapters are available online where supplementation is desired. The text continues to provide a rich range of pedagogical tools that encourage students to reflect upon the experiences of second language learners. As with previous editions, discussion questions and problems are peppered throughout each chapter to help students apply their knowledge, and a glossary defines and reinforces must-know terminology. Additional questions and problems appear on the online companion website.

This seminal text is ideal core reading for SLA courses in second language studies, applied linguistics, linguistics, TESOL, and/or language education programs. This textbook is supported with Instructor and Student Resources, including PowerPoint slides, exercises, flashcards, audio and video links: www.routledge.com/cw/gass.

Susan Gass is University Distinguished Professor Emerita at Michigan State University where she served as Director of the English Language Center, Co-Director of the Center for Language Education and Research, and the Center for Language Teaching Advancement. She has published more than 30 books and more than 150 articles in the field of second language acquisition, with works translated into Russian, Korean, and Chinese. She served as Editor of Studies in Second Language Acquisition and is on numerous editorial boards of applied linguistics journals. She is an honorary member of Southeast University of Nanjing, China. Susan is the winner of many local, national, and international awards and has served as the president of the American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) and of the International Association of Applied Linguistics (AILA). She has lectured in six of the seven continents, Antarctica being the exception.

Jennifer Behney is Associate Professor of Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) in the English Department at Kent State University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses. Her work has appeared in Language Learning, Foreign Language Annals, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, and various book chapters. She was co-author of Interaction, a Cambridge Series Elements of Second Language Acquisition, and co-editor of a volume on salience in SLA. She is a recipient of the Ed Allen Award for Outstanding College World Language Instructor.

Luke Plonsky is Professor of Applied Linguistics at Northern Arizona University, where he teaches courses in second language acquisition and research methods. His work in these and other areas has resulted in over 100 articles, book chapters, and books. Luke is Editor of Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Managing Editor of Foreign Language Annals. In addition to a current appointment as Honorary Professor at the International Education Institute at University of St. Andrews (Scotland), Luke has held faculty appointments at Georgetown University and University College London, and was a Fulbright Scholar in Spain in 2021. Luke has also lectured in China, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and Puerto Rico.

Elizabeth Huntley is an instructor of Arabic and Linguistics at the University of Colorado Denver, as well as Managing Editor of the journal Studies in Second Language Acquisition. She holds a doctorate degree in Second Language Studies from Michigan State University. As a teacher-researcher, Huntley applies methodologically rigorous techniques to answer questions of both theoretical and practical importance. Huntley has taught Arabic as a Second Language in both high school and university programs, as well as worked in study abroad, since 2006. She has received research funding from the Qatar Foundation and the National Council of Less Commonly Taught Languages. She has co-authored two Arabic world language textbooks published by Routledge: ’Arabiyyat al-Naas fii maSr, and ’Arabiyyat al-Naas II.