Implicit and Explicit Language Learning

Over the last several decades, neuroscientists, cognitive psychologists, and psycholinguists have investigated the extent to which language learning is implicit, emerging largely independent of awareness, or explicit, requiring overt instruction and conscious learning strategies. This volume explores the implicit through explicit learning continuum in second language acquisition and development. It brings together theoretical, methodological, and new empirical perspectives, builds connections among them, and draws pedagogical implications when possible. The section on theory examines the psychological and neurological processes of implicit and explicit learning, what aspects of language learning can be affected by explicit learning, and the effects of bilingualism on the mental processing of language. Rigorous empirical research investigations probe specific aspects of acquiring morphosyntax and phonology, including early input, production, feedback, age, and study abroad. A final section explores the rich insights provided into language processing by bilingualism, including such major areas as aging, third language acquisition, and language separation.

The many important and comprehensive contributions to this book collectively advance our knowledge in one of the most interesting and productive lines of research in second language acquisition today.

--Alison Mackey, professor of linguistics and head of the applied linguistics program, Georgetown University

This book contains a treasure trove of information about a central topic in second language learning, that of implicit and explicit learning. Included is a broad range of topics, all of which contribute significantly to a deeper understanding of the central roles of these two types of learning. An essential part of anyone's library!

--Susan M. Gass, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University

Researchers and graduate students will find this book a treasured resource on implicit and explicit learning....A volume that straddles the domains of psycholinguistics and L2 pedagogy to investigate implicit and explicit learning in SLA could not be better timed or more welcome.

--Studies in Second Language Acquisition

This book is an excellent resource for those interested in SLA. Many important researchers participated in the conference from which its chapters are drawn. The empirical studies are all well-designed and cover a broad range of topics with learners from diverse language and learning backgrounds.

--APPLIED LINGUISTICS