Abstract

This major new textbook offers an accessible introduction to many of the most interesting areas in the study of multilingualism. It consists of twelve lectures, written by leading researchers, each dedicated to a particular topic of importance. Each lecture offers a state-of-the-art, authoritative review of a subdiscipline of the field. The volume sheds light on the ways in which the use and acquisition of languages are changing, providing new insights into the nature of contemporary multilingualism. It will be of interest both to undergraduate and postgraduate students working in linguistics-related disciplines and students in associated social sciences.

Through twelve lectures, this volume, expertly edited by Singleton and Aronin, provides us with a state-of-the-art account of multilingualism in the individual and in society. It covers multiple voices and approaches, and the study questions and further reading guide the student through the key theoretical issues and methods in the study of multilingualism, making the volume a valuable reference.

David Singleton is Fellow Emeritus, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, Professor Emeritus, University of Pannonia, Hungary and Professor, University of Applied Sciences, Konin, Poland. He is the author of numerous monographs and textbooks, including Key Topics in Second Language Acquisition (2014, with Vivian Cook, Multilingual Matters) and Beyond Age Effects in Instructional L2 Learning (2017, with Simone Pfenninger, Multilingual Matters).

Larissa Aronin is Associate Professor at the Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel. She has published numerous articles and books on multilingualism, including The Material Culture of Multilingualism (Aronin et al., 2018, Springer) and Multilingualism (Aronin & Singleton, 2012, John Benjamins).

A phenomenal book! A definite winner and bound to become a gold standard for the field. It provides a nuanced treatment of a wide range of topics that are relevant and essential for the study of multilingualism. Format and discussion questions enhance the already deep value of the book.

Advanced students and experienced scholars alike will find each of the 12 chapters in this book deeply thought provoking. Combined, the lectures offer a comprehensive view of current thinking on the use and learning of more than two languages. The expert contributors and editors are to be applauded for having done an excellent job and a great service to the field.