Alternative Approaches to Second Language Acquisition: Second Edition is the eagerly awaited, expanded update of a landmark text. This volume explores alternative perspectives on second language acquisition, offering a critical challenge to the dominant cognitivist, theory-testing framework that shaped mid-20th-century human sciences.
Leading SLA scholars provide a comprehensive overview of nine alternative approaches: complex dynamic systems theory, sociocultural theory, identity studies, conversation analysis, language socialization, corpus analysis, decolonial theory, assemblage theory, and the sociocognitive approach. Each contribution reflects the cutting edge of current research, including insights into L2 sociolinguistic variation, brain research, gesture studies, and newly added further readings and discussion questions. The consistent chapter structure enables readers to effortlessly compare and navigate these diverse approaches. The editors’ introduction offers a powerful framework for understanding the relevance of these alternative approaches in today’s rapidly evolving landscape of SLA research and pedagogy.
This volume is an essential resource for graduate students, researchers, and educators in Applied Linguistics, SLA, and language education. It serves as both a comprehensive introduction for newcomers and a fresh update for those familiar with the first edition.
Table of Contents:
1 Introduction: What are Alternative Approaches to Second Language Acquisition?
DWIGHT ATKINSON AND ELENA TAYLOR
2 A Complex Dynamic Systems Theory Approach to Second Language Development
DIANE LARSEN- FREEMAN, ALI H. AL- HOORIE, AND PHIL HIVER
3 The Sociocultural Theory Approach to Second Language Acquisition: Primacy of the Social
JAMES P. LANTOLF AND JIAO XI
4 An Identity Approach to Second Language Acquisition
BONNY NORTON AND CAROLYN MCKINNEY
5 The Conversation Analysis Approach to Second Language Acquisition
SIMONA PEKAREK DOEHLER AND KLARA SKOGMYR MARIAN
6 Language Socialization Approaches to Second Language Acquisition in Changing Multilingual Contexts
PATRICIA A. DUFF AND MASARU YAMAMOTO
7 A Decolonial Approach to Second Language Acquisition
LOURDES ORTEGA
8 The Corpus Linguistics Approach to Second Language Acquisition
XIAOFEI LU AND YUANHENG (ARTHUR) WANG
9 Assemblage Approaches to Second Language Development Research and Pedagogical Innovation
STEVEN L. THORNE AND JOHN HELLERMANN
10 A Sociocognitive Approach to Second Language Acquisition and Teaching
DWIGHT ATKINSON AND ELENA TAYLOR
About the Author :
Dwight Atkinson is a semi-retired faculty member of the Second Language Acquisition and Teaching Doctoral Program at the University of Arizona. His research interests include second language acquisition and teaching, multilingual writing, and qualitative research methods/approaches.
Elena Taylor is an associate professor of applied linguistics at Utah State University. Her research interests include second language writing, multimodal interaction, and interpersonal aspects of language learning and teaching.
Review :
"This second edition of this classic volume presents more than just “alternative approaches”--each chapter offers an intriguing, insightful, and important approach to SLA. The editors have managed to bring together a prolific line-up of scholars to expand our thinking about what we look at when studying second language development at both conceptual and practical levels. In short: a must read for anyone aiming for a fuller understanding of SLA."
Marije Michel, Professor of Second Language Acquisition & Chair of Language Learning, University of Groningen, Netherlands.
"It is truly exciting to read this new edition of the thought-provoking volume on alternative approaches to second language acquisition. Like the first edition, this compelling collection of contributions offers valuable insights for language educators and inspires readers to engage deeply with what truly matters for learners in language education. Such engagement enables educators to develop and apply pedagogical strategies that prepare learners for the complexities of the world beyond language learning, supporting them in pursuing their aspirations. This text should serve as an essential resource for use in any language teacher education program."
Xuesong Andy Gao, University of New South Wales, Australia
"This volume is a rich compendium of original perspectives on SLA theory. Having designed and moderated an online teacher development course based around the first edition, I am very excited by the prospect of repeating the experience with the new edition."
Scott Thornbury, formerly The New School, NY.
"Showcasing new, cutting-edge perspectives, this volume transforms our understanding of second language acquisition. Each chapter reinforces a profound truth: we do not live to learn languages—we learn languages to live. Essential reading for anyone involved in second language learning and teaching."
Miyuki Sasaki, Waseda University, Japan
"This collection provides important updates to the influential first edition (2011). Over a decade later, recent research within these approaches has enriched our understanding of the complexity of language learning. With cogent descriptions and discussion of synergies, this is essential reading for students and researchers alike."
Marta Antón, Indiana University, Editor-In-Chief, The Modern Language Journal
