The Handbook of Second Language Acquisition presents an integrated discussion of key, and sometimes controversial, issues in second language acquisition (SLA) research. Written by twenty-seven of the worldrs"s leading scholars, the chapters reflect the diversity and technicality that have come to characterize SLA research. Topics discussed include the biological and cognitive underpinnings of SLA; mechanisms, processes, and constraints on SLA; the level of ultimate attainment; research methods; and the status of SLA as a cognitive science. This volume is an invaluable resource for all students and scholars of human cognition, including those in linguistics, psychology, applied linguistics, ESL, foreign languages, and cognitive science.

Catherine J. Doughty is Associate Professor in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Her published work on instructed second language acquisition has appeared in many books and journals, and in 1993 she was awarded MLA's Pimsleur Prize for Research in Foreign Language Education. Her current research focuses on language aptitude, cognition in instructed SLA, bilingual input processing, and L2 educational technology Michael H. Long is Professor in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He is the author of numerous books and articles on second language acquisition and in 1991 was co-recipient of TESOL's International Research Prize. His current research includes work on stabilization/fossilization, negative feedback, sensitive periods, and theory change in SLA