Advanced Proficiency and Exceptional Ability in Second Languages

Published by De Gruyter Mouton 2016

Advanced Proficiency and Exceptional Ability in Second Languages

Edited by: Kenneth Hyltenstam

Volume 51 in the series Studies on Language Acquisition [SOLA]

https://doi.org/10.1515/9781614515173

Overview
Contents

About this book

While the literature on second language acquisition and use is overwhelmingly rich with respect to initial and intermediate stages of development, present knowledge of levels of ultimate attainment that are equal or close to that if native speakers has so far not been presented in a coherent manner. This is what the present volume aims to achieve. In addition to chapters that summarize what is currently known about the grammatical, lexical, and discourse features that continue to exhibit instability at the most advanced levels of second language development, the volume presents overviews of the incipient research on two unique learner populations, polyglots and employees in international call centres. Polyglots, defined as language users who are proficient in six or more second languages, may be considered second language learners par excellence. Call centre employees in economically less developed parts of the world are intriguing in how they cope with the high language proficiency requirements of their job. In conclusion, this book is relevant for all readers - both professionals and students - interested in the development of second language theory. For language teachers, the book provides insights that are profitable in classrooms for advanced learners.

Author / Editor information

Kenneth Hyltenstam, Stockholm University, Sweden.

Reviews

"In general, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of an array of studies which set out to examine the mechanisms behind L2 acquisition to exceptionally high levels. It also makes constructive suggestions for future research, which is still clearly needed. There is no doubt that the range of theoretical perspectives adopted in the investigation of L2 ultimate attainment, accompanied by a wide diversity of methodological approaches, can be a valuable source of inspiration for other researchers in SLA and related fields of study."
Kamil Zubrzycki in: International Journal of Applied Linguistics 170.1 (2019), 144-149

"On the whole, this volume is an excellent point of departure for researchers in various subareas of linguistics looking to further an understudied field."
Christopher Sams in: LINGUIST List 30.3242 (27.08.2019)

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Preface Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	v
Table of contents Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Contributors Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	viii
Introduction: Perspectives on advanced second language proficiency Kenneth Hyltenstam Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
1 Pragmatic markers in high-level second language use Lars Fant Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	15
2 Morphosyntax and discourse in highlevel second language use Inge Bartning Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	43
3 The lexicon of advanced L2 learners Camilla Bardel Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	73
4 Formulaic language in advanced second language acquisition and use Britt Erman, Fanny Forsberg Lundell and Margareta Lewis Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	111
5 Reading proficiency in advanced L2 users Alan McMillion and Philip Shaw Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	149
6 Linguistic outsourcing and native-like performance in international call centres: An overview Kingsley Bolton Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	185
7 The polyglot – an initial characterization on the basis of multiple anecdotal accounts Kenneth Hyltenstam Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	215
8 The exceptional ability of polyglots to achieve high-level proficiency in numerous languages Kenneth Hyltenstam Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	241
Subject index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	273

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: De Gruyter Mouton
Audience: Researchers interested in SLA, Bilingualism, Applied Linguistics,and Second and Foreign Language Teaching.
Pages
- Front matter: 8
- Main content: 274
Keywords: Advanced L2 Proficiency; Exceptionality; Polyglots; International Call Centers

eBook

Published: July 25, 2016
ISBN: 9781614515173

Hardcover

Published: July 25, 2016
ISBN: 9781614517184

Paperback

Published: June 11, 2018
ISBN: 9781501516979