Second Language Acquisition Research: Theory-Construction and Testing

Second Language Acquisition and the Critical Period Hypothesis is the only book on the market to provide a diverse collection of perspectives, from experienced researchers, on the role of the Critical Period Hypothesis in second language acquisition. It is widely believed that age effects in both first and second language acquisition are developmental in nature, with native levels of attainment in both to be though possible only if learning began before the closure of a "window of opportunity" - a critical or sensitive period. These seven chapters explore this idea at length, with each contribution acting as an authoritative look at various domains of inquiry in second language acquisition, including syntax, morphology, phonetics/phonology, Universal Grammar, and neurofunctional factors. By presenting readers with an evenly-balanced take on the topic with viewpoints both for and against the Critical Period Hypothesis, this book is the ideal guide to understanding this critical body of research in SLA, for students and researchers in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition.

Author: David Birdsong
Publisher: Cambridge Scholars Publishing
Published: 01/01/1999
Pages: 202
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.63d
ISBN: 9780805830842

About the Author

David Birdsong is Professor of French at the University of Texas at Austin.