Language Acquisition and Development: Studies of Learners of First and Other Languages

This book presents new research in the field of language acquisition and development. The contributors pay attention to first language development and other language acquisition (second, foreign and additional), and focus on issues directly relevant to both areas of investigation. One of the main aims of the book is to discover how research and practice in first language development can contribute to the teaching and learning of other languages, and vice versa. The book is distinctive in this area in its application of theoretical findings to the development of principles, objectives and procedures for language learning. This practical focus can also be seen in the open-minded approach taken to the interpretation of the evidence presented in the book. Rather than setting out to prove any particular hypothesis, the book aims to develop practical applications relating to the tendencies indicated by the research. Language Acquisition and Development will be of interest to postgraduates and academics researching language acquisition, language development and applied linguistics and to language teachers with an interest in language learning theory.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Some Similarities and Differences Between L1 and L2 Acquisition and Development - Brian Tomlinson Part I. Critical Reviews of the Literature 1. The Role of Proto-Reading Activities in the Acquisition and Development of Effective Reading Skills - Hitomi Masuhara 2. The Transfer of Reading from the Language of Wider Communication to the First Language - Agatha van Ginkel  3. The Processing of Past Tense Verbs for L1 Learners of English - Natalie Barber 4. The Roles of  Audio-Visual Mental Aids in the Development of First and Other Language Proficiency - Brian Tomlinson and Javier Avilla 5. Applications of the Research into the Roles of Audio-Visual Mental Aids for Language Teaching Pedagogy - Brian Tomlinson and Javier Avilla 6. Internalization and Language Acquisition - James Lantolf and Beatriz Centeno-Cortes 7. Affect in L2 Teacher Talk - Jane Arnold and Carmen Fonseca 8. The Attitudes of Language Learners Towards Target Varieties of the Language - Ivor Timmis Part II. Research Reports 9. The Value of Recasting During Meaning Focused Activities 1 - Brian Tomlinson 10. The Value of Recasting During Meaning Focused Activities 2 - Javier Avilla 11. Output Like Input: Influence of Children's Literature on Young L2 Learners' Written Expression - Irma Kaarina Ghosn 12. The Value of Comprehension in the Early Stages of the Acquisition and Development of Bahasa Indonesia by Native and by Non-Native Speakers - Erlin Susanti Barnard  13. Classroom Reticence in the Learning of Vietnamese and of English in Vietnam - Bao Dat 14. A ‘Sort of' Puzzle for Non- Native-Like Fluency - Luke Prodromou 15. Perceptions of Culture By British Students Learning French - Catherine von Knorring 16. A Blind Learner in EFL Mainstream Courses:  A Case Study at The Lebanese American University - Nola Bacha Conclusions - Brian Tomlinson

About the Author :
Brian Tomlinson is Professor of TESOL at Anaheim University, USA and Honorary Visiting Professor at the University of Liverpool, UK. He has worked in Japan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, the UK, Vanuatu and Zambia, and is Founder and President of the Materials Development Association (MATSDA).

Review :
"Due to its accessible style and transparent data analysis, the volume will be of use not only to academics and practitioners but also to interested undergraduates of linguistics or education...Overall, this collection is thoughtfully compiled; the chapters are well written, well supported, and well referenced. It is a valuable resource in the field of language acquisition." - Catherine Davies, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, September 2008 "This is an informative and valuable book for both practitioners and researchers. For those engaged in day-to-day teaching, it provides insightful and concrete suggestions on how to supplement traditional routines with more inventive techniques, and for those dedicated to theoretical inquiry of language and literacy development, it minimally exhibits what can be gained when familiar and often arbitrarily demarcated territory is surpassed. Given that most chapters are written without excessive use of technical jargon, they are also accessible to students of applied linguistics and those preparing to be teachers of English as a L2." -Enchao Shi, Studies in Second Language Acquisition, December 2008 "The volume has been described as ''an intelligently edited, probing and innovative set of studies balanced between social and psychological insights'' (Ronald Carter, Chair of the British Association for Applied Linguistics). I would add that the practical character of the book renders it an excellent resource ...Overall, this collection is thoughtfully compiled; the chapters well-written, well-supported and well-referenced. It is a valuable resource in the field of language acquisition." Catherine N. Davies, Department of English Language and communication, Kingston University, UK, Linguist List, 2007