An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching

Learning about Language

General Editors: Geoffrey Leech and Mick Short, Lancaster University

Unique in providing both an in-depth but very reader-friendly guide to the theoretical background of the subject, and at the same time linking this closely to a thorough and up-to-date treatment of the related practice.

Dr. Alan Waters, Lancaster University

This is a comprehensive and authoritative work, reflecting many years of experience and expertise in the field of language teaching.                                        

Linda Altshul, University of Salford

This revised edition contains all the elements of the perfect teacher training text.

Sylvia Helmer, University of British Columbia

Keith Johnson has provided a refreshing, honest, engaging, and sometimes outspoken contribution to our understanding of learning and teaching a foreign language.

Dr Steve Mann, Centre for English Language Teacher Education, University of Warwick

An Introduction to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching presents an engaging, student-friendly guide to the fields of foreign language learning and teaching. For students beginning their study of these fields, the book provides essential background information, dealing with language learning and teaching in a clear and comprehensible way. An Introduction will also be of value to teachers in training and those already working in the field, providing an up-to-date overview which focuses on contemporary issues while at the same time providing an important historical perspective.

The book covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the field and provides suggestions throughout for discussion and workshop activities. Matters related to classroom and task-based teaching are dealt with at length, making the book suitable for use on practical training courses, especially where a degree of theoretical background is also required. Although most of the examples used deal with English as a foreign language, the book offers a suitable introduction for teachers of any foreign language.

In this age of unfettered global communication the teaching and learning of foreign languages have never been more important. An Introduction to Foreign Language Teaching and Learning will give you the head start you need to get ahead of the field.

Keith Johnson is currently Professor of Linguistics and Language Education at Lancaster University. He is one of the founding members of the Centre for Applied Language Studi...