本教材以章节的形式论述国外“第二语言习得”领域近半个世纪以来的研究历程。全书既全面、详细地介绍语言习得的理论创建与发展、儿童母语习得过程、二语/外语学习理论以及二语课堂教学研究等方面的成果，又综合、客观地反映认知学、心理学、社会文化学等领域对第二语言习得与发展的不同视角与观点。
本教材适合高等院校英语专业本科生、研究生以及中小学英语教师学习和使用。

Chapter 1 Introduction: Key Concepts and Issues in SLA
1.1 Language Acquisition and SLA
1.2 Some Definitions of SLA
1.3 Some Structural Characteristics of SLA
1.4 The Literature on the Theories of SLA
1.5 A Theoretical Approach Proposed by Spolsky
1.6 Theoretical Applications to L2 Teaching and Learning
1.7 Some Distinctions in the field of SLA Research
1.7.1 SLA and FLA
1.7.2 Acquisition versus Learning
1.7.3 Input versus Intake
1.7.4 Implicit versus Explicit Learning
1.7.5 Incidental versus Intentional Learning
1.7.6 Instructed versus Non -instructed SLA
1.8 Conclusion
Points for Thinking
Further Reading
Chapter 2 Views on Language, Learning and Learner
2.1 Views on the Nature of Language
2.1.1 Phonetics and Phonology
2.1.2 Syntax
2.1.3 Morphology
2.1.4 Semantics
2.1.5 Pragmatics
2.2 Views of the Language Learning Process - L1 versus L2
2.2.1 Children's Acquisition of Lexicon
2.2.2 Children's Acquisition of Syntax
2.2.3 Children's Acquisition of Phonology
2.2.4 Children's Acquisition of Semantics and Pragmatics
2.3 Views of the Second Language Learner
2.3.1 The Learner as Language Processor
2.3.2 Differences between Individual Learners
2.3.3 Cognitive Factors
2.3.4 Affective Factors
2.3.5 The Learner as Social Being
2.3.6 Links with Social Practice
2.4 Conclusion
Points for Thinking
Further Reading
Chapter 3 An Introduction to Language Acquisition
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Developmental Patterns in L1 Acquisition
3.2.1 A General Outline of English Acquisition as L1
3.2.2 Positive and Negative Reinforcements in Children's L1 Acquisition
3.2.3 Beneficial Views from Children's L1 Acquisition
3.3 The Controversy between Behaviorist and Mentalist Models
3.4 Developmental Patterns in L2 Acquisition
3.4.1 Early Stages
3.4.2 Formulaic Speech
……
Chapter 4 Recent History of SLA Research
Chapter 5 The UG Approach to Language Acquisition
Chapter 6 Cognitive Approaches to SLA
Chapter 7 Some Other Perspectives on SLA
Chapter 8 Input, Interaction and Output in SLA
Chapter 9 Varied Perspectives on Interlanguage
Chapter 10 Researches on L2 Classroom Practice (Ⅰ)
Chapter 11 Researches on L2 Classroom Practice (Ⅱ)
Chapter 12 Conclusion
REFERENCES