Lyn Wright

Learning Language: First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition is the first textbook to offer a holistic introduction to language acquisition, combining from three key fields: child first language acquisition, bi- and mulitilingual acquisition, and second language acquisition. Rich in pedagogy, this innovative book adopts a distinct interdisciplinary approach to coherently explain how languages are learned. Organised around the linguistic targets of acquisition (sounds, words, structures, communication), the book offers a clear and deep understanding of the commonalities and divergence among these three research traditions. In this volume, Adams, Warren and Wright survey both the core theory principles and research practices in each area. They support students, researchers, and instructors by providing clear explanations, clear examples, and a wide range of instructional materials: from an overview of key research methods and guiding theories to definitions of key terms, reflection questions to spark discussion, and class exercises. Downloadable material is also available, including practical exercises, additional readings, and suggested research topics. Instructors and readers can choose to follow the book structure or to use the three main sections independently, focusing on each type of language acquisition in turn. This unique book provides an ideal basis for introductory courses in Language Acquisition, ESOL, Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching, Child Language Development, and Speech Pathology programs. It also serves as a flexible and accessible resource for anyone interested in applied linguistics and language acquisition

Learning Language: First Language, Bilingual, and Second Language Acquisition is the first textbook to offer a holistic introduction to language acquisition, combining from three key fields: child first language acquisition, bi- and mulitilingual acquisition, and second language acquisition. Rich in pedagogy, this innovative book adopts a distinct interdisciplinary approach to coherently explain how languages are learned. Organised around the linguistic targets of acquisition (sounds, words, structures, communication), the book offers a clear and deep understanding of the commonalities and divergence among these three research traditions. In this volume, Adams, Warren and Wright survey both the core theory principles and research practices in each area. They support students, researchers, and instructors by providing clear explanations, clear examples, and a wide range of instructional materials: from an overview of key research methods and guiding theories to definitions of key terms, reflection questions to spark discussion, and class exercises. Downloadable material is also available, including practical exercises, additional readings, and suggested research topics. Instructors and readers can choose to follow the book structure or to use the three main sections independently, focusing on each type of language acquisition in turn. This unique book provides an ideal basis for introductory courses in Language Acquisition, ESOL, Applied Linguistics for Language Teaching, Child Language Development, and Speech Pathology programs. It also serves as a flexible and accessible resource for anyone interested in applied linguistics and language acquisition

Applying critical kinship perspectives to the study of multilingual families, this book foregrounds family formation processes, gender, and sexuality in examinations of language use. Focusing on historically marginalized families (such as single parent, adoptive, and LGBTQ+), the analyses draw on data from private and public spheres including interviews and recorded interactions in homes, as well as memoirs, documentaries, news media, and even comedy. Lyn Wright addresses questions such as why single parents might be better at raising bilingual children, how multilingualism plays a role in constructing shared histories in adoptive families, and what translingual resources allow LGBTQ+ families to negotiate gender roles and family relationships. In addition, she examines the construction of monolingual, nuclear family norms in public discourse that potentially constrain families’ everyday multilingual identities.Integrating related fields of family discourse, family language socialization, and family language policy unifies ways of understanding the intersections of kinship and language. The analyses in this book provide insight into multilingual family experiences, children’s language development, and societal level language maintenance and shift.

Applying critical kinship perspectives to the study of multilingual families, this book foregrounds family formation processes, gender, and sexuality in examinations of language use. Focusing on historically marginalized families (such as single parent, adoptive, and LGBTQ+), the analyses draw on data from private and public spheres including interviews and recorded interactions in homes, as well as memoirs, documentaries, news media, and even comedy. Lyn Wright addresses questions such as why single parents might be better at raising bilingual children, how multilingualism plays a role in constructing shared histories in adoptive families, and what translingual resources allow LGBTQ+ families to negotiate gender roles and family relationships. In addition, she examines the construction of monolingual, nuclear family norms in public discourse that potentially constrain families’ everyday multilingual identities.Integrating related fields of family discourse, family language socialization, and family language policy unifies ways of understanding the intersections of kinship and language. The analyses in this book provide insight into multilingual family experiences, children’s language development, and societal level language maintenance and shift.