Understanding Variability in Second Language Acquisition, Bilingualism, and Cognition : A Multi-Layered Perspective

This collection brings together linguistic, psychological, and sociological perspectives reflecting on the relationships and interactions of the multi-layered factors impacting second language development and cognitive competence.

"This collection brings together linguistic, psychological, and sociological perspectives reflecting on the relationships and interactions of the multi-layered factors impacting second language development and cognitive competence. The book advocates a system approach as a counterpoint to existing scholarship which has tended to focus on a small set of variables. Chapters demonstrate how cognitive and linguistic development are intrinsically linked, occurring within a nested structure of multiple levels:individual neuro/cognitive systems and processes, individual engagement with the social world, and the wider social and institutional environments and cultural contexts impacting the belief systems and linguistic conventions of social groups. The volume outlines theoretical and methodological foundations before looking at the interplay of these different variables at the macro, meso, and micro level. A final section features commentary chapters from linguistics and psychology, synthesizing insights from earlier chapters and reflecting on the theoretical and methodological implications for future research. The volume argues for the need to expand the boundaries of subject-specific research, contributing to a research program in a developmental science of language acquisition with an integrative view of developmental processes. This book will be of interest to scholars in second language acquisition, psycholinguistics, cognition, psychology, and sociology"--