LINGUIST List 12.1055

Fri Apr 13 2001

Qs: Acquisition Textbook, Endangered Tribal Langs

Editor for this issue: Karen Milligan <karenlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Catherine Rudin/HU/AC/WSC, acquisition text
2. Peter I. Gorvitz, Dead and/or endangered tribal languages

I have been asked to teach a special language acquisition course for a
group of teacher certification students, and I'm looking for an appropriate
textbook. The "perfect" book would

- cover both first and second language acquisition, preferably about
equally
- assume little or no linguistics background
- be written in a relatively non-technical and engaging way
- give at least some attention to (first and second) language learning by
school-age children and teenagers
- give at least some attention to acquisition/learning/teaching of
non-European languages (ideally Native American, as these students will be
involved in teaching a Native American language themselves)
- while not ignoring theory, have a significant focus on "practical" issues
for teachers

I would greatly appreciate suggestions of textbooks which do all or most of
these things, especially ones you have used and know to be effective with
non-linguistics-major students.

In case the perfect book doesn't exist, I'd also be grateful for other
suggestions: books which cover at least part of the wish list unusually
well, particularly useful short articles to include in a readings packet,
and so on. I'm not an acquisition or education specialist, and this
course is something of a stretch for me! So don't hesitate to mention the
obvious standard texts that anyone in the field ought to have already
thought of.

Reply off-list and if there's interest I'll post a summary.
Thanks! Catherine

Hello,

I am researching endangered or dead tribal
languages in Siberia and the Americas. I am
wondering whether any information is readily
available on the effect of interaction by
newer, settled populations on the language
and culture of the tribe or population
theretofore not contacted. 

Thank you for your time. 

Peter Gorvitz.