Second Language Acquisition

Second language acquisition refers to the process of learning a language that is not the learner's first language. English language teachers need to understand the basic principles of second language acquisition in order to effectively teach English language learners.

Language Acquisition: A Not-So-Linear Timeline

This is not a comprehensive map of every theory ever published (because no one has time for that). But it does shed light on some of the major shifts, contradictions, and curious turns in how people have tried to explain second language learning over the decades.

From behaviorism to brain-based approaches, it’s a quick walkthrough of ideas that—whether we realize it or not—still show up in classrooms, coursebooks, and school policies today.

Use it to connect the dots. Or challenge them.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This isn’t an academic encyclopedia. It’s a visual timeline meant to spark questions, not settle debates.

Click here to check out the interactive timeline!

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References & Resources

Brown, H.D. (2007). Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. Fifth Edition. White Plains, USA: PearsonEducation.
Byrnes, H. (Ed.) (2008). Advanced language learning: The contribution of Halliday and Vygotsky
De Bot, K., Lowie, W., & Verspoor, M. (2006). Second language acquisition: An advanced resource book
Doughty, C. J. & Long, M. H. (Eds.) (2003). The handbook of second language acquisition
Ellis, R. (1997). Second Language Acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ellis, R. (2015). Understanding Second Language Acquisition. Second Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gass, S. M. & Selinker, L. (2008). Second language acquisition: An introductory course (3rd ed.).
Harmer, J. (2007). The Practice of English Language Teaching. Fourth Edition. Harlow, UK: Pearson Longman. Chapter 3.
Hedge, T. (2000). Teaching and Learning in the Language Classroom. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Chapter 1.
Lightbown, P. & Spada, N. (2006). How languages are learned (3rd ed.).
Mitchell, R. & Myles, F. (2004). Second language learning theories (2nd ed.)
Ortega, L. (2009). Understanding second language acquisition.
Richards, J.C. (2015). Key Issues in Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Chapter 2.
Ritchie, W. C. & Bhatia, T. K. (Eds.) (2009). The new handbook of second language acquisition
Saville-Troike, M. (2005). Introducing second language acquisition,
VanPatten, B. & Williams J. (Eds). (2015). Theories in Second Language Acquisition. An introduction. Second edition. Oxon, UK: Taylor & Francis.
VanPatten, B., Smith, M. & Benati, A.G. (2020). Key Questions in Second Language Acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.