Description
For many Applied Linguists, language is unique among human skills, incomparable in its acquisition and use to other forms of behaviour. Their study of second-language learning and teaching may thus draw on knowledge about first-language acquisition, but not on what is known about the learning of non-linguistic skills. This book argues against such an approach. It begins by considering arguments for and against the uniqueness of language. It reviews the recent literature in second-language acquisition, looking both at general learning theories (which account for language alongside other skills) and opposing theories (mostly based on the study of Universal Grammar). The book then turns to language teaching, and in a programmatic way considers what insights may be gained by viewing language within a general skills framework. Particular attention is given to how the teacher may help students to make consciously learned language automatic.
About the Author
The author is Senior Lecuturer in Linguistics at the University of Lancaster. He is editor, with Christopher J. Brumfit, of The Communicative Approach to Language Teaching.
Book Information
ISBN 9780631168775
Author Keith Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 312g
Dimensions(mm) 230mm * 156mm * 15mm
