Kimberly L. Geeslin is Professor of Hispanic Linguistics in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Indiana University, USA. Her research focuses on second language Spanish and the intersection of second language acquisition and sociolinguistics.
Avizia Y. Long is Assistant Professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Literatures at San José State University, USA. Her research interests include the acquisition of sociolinguistic variation by non-Western learners, study abroad and the acquisition of second language Spanish phonetics and phonology, and the role of the instructor in classroom-based learning.
Megan Solon is Assistant Research Scientist in the Department of Applied Health Science at Indiana University, USA. Her research focuses on the acquisition of phonetics and phonology in second and heritage language Spanish and explores the acquisition of variable phonetic features as well as the role of learning context and instructional practices on phonetic development.
This volume offers an introduction to the field of second language acquisition with a particular focus on second language Spanish. It provides broad coverage of foundational issues in second language acquisition and details the rich body of research, including recent cutting-edge examples, on the acquisition of Spanish as a second language.
Contents
PART I: Fundamentals of Research on the Acquisition of Spanish as a Second Language
Chapter One: Introduction to Perspectives on Second Language Acquisition
Chapter Two: Research Methods
PART II. Central Issues in Second Language Acquisition and Case Studies of Spanish
Chapter Three: First Language Influence and the Acquisition of /b d g/
Chapter Four: Developmental Paths and the Acquisition of Copula Contrast
Chapter Five: Form-Meaning Mapping and the Acquisition of Past-Time Marking
Chapter Six: Input, Language Variation, and the Acquisition of Object Pronouns
PART III: Expansion and Application
Chapter Seven: Study Abroad and the Acquisition of Variable /s/-weakening
Chapter Eight: Insights for the Classroom and the Acquisition of Subject Forms
i. The role of input and interaction
ii. How can language instruction foster second language acquisition?
iii. Connecting research with practice
iv. Use tasks to facilitate learning through meaningful communication
v. Consider task design features thoughtfully when planning lessons, courses, and curricula
vi. Vary interactional partners
vii. Seek and provide numerous and varied sources of input
viii. Consider individual differences
ix. Use technology thoughtfully to encourage real online interaction