Linguistics for L2 Teachers

A basic, reader-friendly introduction to American English linguistics for teachers of ESL, written in a conversational style with technical vocabulary introduced in meaningful contexts. Applications to the ESL classroom are presented in a direct way.

Linguistics for L2 Teachers is designed to help bilingual and ESL teachers better understand how and why the English language works, and to broaden their abilities to help their students learn about the various functions of English in the real world. It is not a complete curriculum in English linguistics, but rather, a foundation from which teachers can continue to grow and to teach with greater confidence. The reader-friendly, conversational style makes the concepts easily accessible to preservice and in-service teachers who have little or no previous experience in language study. This textbook:
* explains various aspects of English using non-technical terminology;
* goes beyond the study of grammar to examine the functions of language, not just its form;
* presents language applications in L2 classrooms; and
* clearly delineates the significance of chapter topics for L2 teachers and students.

Each chapter includes prereading activities to enhance the reader''s comprehension; postreading activities to expand and elaborate the concepts; and interactive "Be A Linguist" activities to help readers think in ways similar to the ways linguists think and to provide opportunities to apply ideas explained within the chapter.

Intended for all teachers of students for whom English is a new language, this text will help them be better prepared to meet the important challenges and questions they encounter in their classrooms.