Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition

Mind and Context in Adult Second Language Acquisition: Methods, Theory, and Practice is a comprehensive exploration into how adults learn a second language through the lens of cognitive science. Edited by a distinguished international team of scholars, this volume challenges traditional views by examining whether our brains possess a dedicated language module or rely on general information-processing systems. The book is organized into four integrated sections, beginning with an introduction to information-processing approaches and providing essential tools to understand the underlying data. Subsequent chapters delve into the internal factors - such as attention, awareness, individual differences, and neural underpinnings - that influence language acquisition, as well as external influences like input quality, interaction, and the impact of pedagogical interventions. Concluding with practical applications, the final part examines innovative instructional strategies including processing instruction and content-based approaches. This volume is an essential resource for students, researchers, and educators in the fields of second language acquisition and cognitive psychology, offering insightful perspectives that bridge theory and classroom practice.