Written for students encountering the topic for the first time this is a clear and practical introduction to second language acquisition (SLA). It explains in non-technical language how a second language is acquired; what the second language learner needs to know; and why some learners are more successful than others. The textbook introduces in a step-by-step fashion a range of fundamental concepts – such as SLA in adults and children in formal and informal learning contexts and in diverse socio-cultural settings – and takes an interdisciplinary approach encouraging students to consider SLA from linguistic psychological and social perspectives. Each chapter contains a list of key terms a summary and a range of graded exercises suitable for self-testing or class discussion. Providing a solid foundation in SLA this book is set to become the leading introduction to the field for students of linguistics psychology and education and trainee language teachers.

1. Introducing second language acquisition; 2. Foundations of second language acquisition; 3. The linguistics of second language acquisition; 4. The psychology of second language acquisition; 5. Social contexts of second language acquisition; 6. Acquiring knowledge for L2 use; 7. L2 learning and teaching.