Age and the Rate of Foreign Language Learning

by Carmen Muñoz (Editor)

Overview

This book examines the various ways in which age affects the process and the product of foreign language learning in a school setting. It presents studies that cover a wide range of topics, from phonetics to learning strategies. It will be of interest to students and researchers working in SLA research, language planning and language teaching.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853598913
Publisher:	Multilingual Matters Ltd.
Publication date:	07/07/2006
Series:	Second Language Acquisition , #19
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	6.15(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.65(d)

About the Author

Carmen Muñoz received her MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Reading, UK. and her PhD in English Linguistics from the University of Barcelona, Spain, where she is now a Professor of English Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. Her research interests include second and foreign language acquisition, as well as bilingual acquisition. She is the coordinator of the Barcelona Age Factor (BAF) Project. Her recent publications have focused on the age factor in foreign language acquisition, cross linguistic influence and individual differences.

Table of Contents

Introduction - Carmen Muñoz (Universityat de Barcelona)

1. The Effects of Age on Foreign Language Learning: The BAF Project - Carmen Muñoz

2. The Development of English (FL) Perception and Production Skills: Starting Age and Exposure Effects - Natalia Fullana

3. Age Effects on Oral Fluency Development - Joan Carles Mora (Universityat de Barcelona)

4. Age and Vocabulary Acquisition in EFL - Immaculada Miralpeix (Universityat de Barcelona)

5. Accuracy Orders, Rate of Learning and Age in Morphological Acquisition - Carmen Muñoz

6. Rate and Route of Acquisition in EFL Narrative Development at Different - Ages Esther Álvarez (Universityat de Barcelona)

7. Age and IL Development in Writing – María Rosa Torras, Teresa Navés, María Luz Celaya and Carmen Pérez-Vidal (Universityat de Barcelona)

8. Age, Proficiency Level and Interactional Skills: Evidence from Breakdowns in Production - Gisela Grañena

9. Reported Strategy Use and Age - Elsa Tragant (Universityat de Barcelona) and Mia Victori (Universityat Autònoma de Barcelona)

10. Language Learning Motivation and Age - Elsa Tragant (Universityat de Bercelona)

Appendices

Index

Editorial Reviews

This book is very well-written and edited, and its various chapters provide not only enlightening results and interpretations but also clear and satisfying discussions of the relevant theories, past empirical findings, and research methodology.

Studies in Second Language Acquisition 31 - 2009 - Scott Jarvis

Apart from exploring questions of rate and attainment in low-proficiency learners, this volume also presents data and findings relevant to SLA in terms of methodology, interlanguage states or learners' perception of their own development. For this reason, it will be helpful not only for professionals in linguistics and FL curriculum planners, but also for researchers and language teachers interested in the description and measurement of the early stages of FL acquisition.

The Journal of Language Teaching, Volume 44/1, 2011 - Imma Miralpeix

The collection provides invaluable guidance for educators and policy makers who must decide when to start L2 instruction in school programs. The volume also includes thorough reviews of previous research and theory on the relationship between age and language acquisition. It is a unique addition to the research on classroom second language learning.

Patsy M. Lightbown

It is fascinating to read a collection of studies conducted over such a long period with a single, large data set.

D. Bradford Marshall