Problems in Second Language Acquisition

Second language acquisition has an identity problem. It is a young field struggling to emerge from the parent fields of education and applied linguistics. In his new book,Problems in SLA, Mike Long proposes a way to help second language acquisition develop a systematic and coherent focus using the philosophy of science as the lens. The volume is neatly organized in three parts--theory, research, and practice. This structure allows a focus on areas of SLA of interest to many in the field. These include theory proliferation and comparative theory evaluation; the Critical Period Hypothesis and negative feedback; and the practice of "synthetic" language teaching. The controversial volume will be of interest to researchers, educators, and graduate students in second language acquisition, applied linguistics, TESOL, and linguistics programs. It may be recommended as additional reading for an introductory SLA course in order to stimulate class discussions.

Mike Long is Professor of SLA, and Director of the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Maryland, College Park. He serves on the Editorial Boards of Studies in Second Language Acquisition, and is co-editor of the Cambridge Applied Linguistics Series. His current research includes work on theory change in SLA, negative feedback, sensitive periods, needs analysis, Task-Based Language Teaching, and a longitudinal study of stabilization /fossilization in the interlanguage of a Japanese immigrant to Hawai’i. His recent publications include the Handbook of SLA, co-edited with Catherine Doughty (Blackwell, 2003), and Second Language Needs Analysis (Cambridge, 2005).