Introducing Second Language Acquisition

Cambridge Introductions to Language and Linguistics

by Muriel Saville-Troike

Written for students encountering the topic for the first time, this introduction 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 logically introduces a range of fundamental concepts--such as SLA in adults and children, formal and informal learning contexts, and diverse socio-cultural settings. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to consider SLA from linguistic, psychological and social perspectives.

Genres: Linguistics, Language, Nonfiction, School, Education, Academic, College

214 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2005

About the author

Saville, Muriel R., 1936-
Saville, Muriel Renee, 1936-
Saville Troike, Muriel, 1936-
Troike, Muriel 1936-
Troike, Muriel S. 1936-
Troike, Muriel Saville-, 1936-

Reviews

[Julia Leporace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read a couple of chapters for uni and I ended up reading the whole book because I found it absolutely interesting. In fact, I found it so interesting that it made me want to be a linguist. ♥

[Ufuk Ataş · Rating 3 out of 5]

It serves its purpose: Introduction to SLA. Was very superficial for me but I recommend the book to those unrelated to the field of SLA and would like to learn about it's basics, and to people who have just started studying SLA with pretty much no knowledge of the field.

[Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it says it is--an introduction to SLA. I read it for a theory class could with Mitchell, Myles, and Marsden's "Second Language Learning Theories" (Third Edition) and where that one was richer and denser in detail, this book balanced it with a more straightforward attitude and easier access. I'm thankful for this one to help elucidate some of the issues. Also, the author formerly taught at my school, so that's a fun fact. Bear Down, UofA haha.

[Maguxy Ruiz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Si a este libro le quitaramos TODOS los adverbios y los adjetivos que trae para describir procesos, caracteristicas etc... se quedarian en la mitad de paginas.

Ventaja? esta bastante bien organizado, y tiene 1 foto de Noam Chomsky cuando era jovencito.

[Hoda Marmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book, great choice, really!

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good coverage of many aspects. Charts, summaries, study guide questions, and glossary are very helpful.
My issue with this text has always been length. Chapters/sections are very long and dense. Could benefit from better organization, condensing, or eliminating certain parts.

[Justina Dau · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to understand how second language is learnt from a scientific point of you. The book tries to answer to questions what we learn, how we learn and why some people are more successful in learning a second language. This is looked from linguistics, psychological and social perspectives. If you are not yet familiar with certain concepts it may be a bit hard to understand. It was a personal interest to read it as I am learning a new language in order to better understand how I could improve my learning.

[Saga Vītoliņa Jönsson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for one of my courses in uni, I did not like it. It was a lot of information and it felt like word-vomit to be honest. A lot of things could be easier explained in fewer and more understandable words.

[Danielle Sharaak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read, a recommendation for those who study language or are just very interested in how languages are acquired. Very well-written.

[Edward Shalash · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is informative, didactic, and thor​ough. Concepts are explained relatively clearly however, its biggest flop is that it's trying to cover so many concepts that you end up feeling like you haven't learned anything. It is stretched so thinly you could be easily lost in all different theories and concepts.
I would recommend as a reading material but not as a book for academic studying.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic, but the writing style didn’t suit me. Had to cram reading this in one week for a course and was disassociating the whole time. Now everytime I see the name Saville-Troike a shiver runs down my spine

[hwiitran · Rating 4 out of 5]

another book that saved my MA life.
this book dives deeper into theories behind SLA and covers pretty much a wide range of theories in all 3 approaches: linguistics, psychological, and social.
bless my uni for allowing me to read this online.

[Kuu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave a good overview over the topic(s) it presents, not too in-depth but on the other hand it mentions a lot of different facets of SLA. I had already taken some courses in SLA when I read this, so a lot of it was familiar to me already, but it's a decent book for someone that wants to get an overview of the topic at hand.

[Kat Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written and organized, though the information is accurate and thorough. I suppose it is a typical academic book.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable.

[tobias · Rating 1 out of 5]

why is this harder to read and decipher than all of my other textbooks combined