theoretical, experimental and fast-paced field of study which looks at, and seeks to understand, how native speakers of one language learn to speak another language fluently.

Understanding Second Language Acquisition provides an approachable but authoritative introduction to this area of linguistics. The essentials are clearly explained with pointers for further study. The author focuses on the key notions involved rather than arguing for a particular theoretical position.

This second edition is fully up-to-date and includes the latest empirical developments and theoretical refinements in second language acquisition, such as new sections on age and learner-language development. New features also include end-of-chapter questions for revision and further discussion, and a full glossary of terms.

The extensive online resources have been updated and expanded to include more powerpoint slides for lecturers and reading suggestions for students, and are available at www.routledge.com/cw/ortega.

This is the ideal book for anyone looking for an accessible but comprehensive introduction to second language learning.