LINGUIST List 12.2940

Mon Nov 26 2001

Books: Psycholinguistics

Editor for this issue: Richard John Harvey <richardlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Kathryn King, Psycholinguistics: A Dynamic Model of Multilingualism

A DYNAMIC MODEL OF MULTILINGUALISM
Perspectives of Change in Psycholinguistics

Philip Herdina and Ulrike Jessner 
(University of Innsbruck, Austria)

This book sets out with the highly ambitious aim of combining two
fields of investigation which are not self-evidently relatable -
namely, on the one hand, research into dynamic systems and, on the
other, research into multilingualism. It seeks to use notions of
dynamic systems as they have been applied in such areas as physics and
meteorology as the basis for the development of a dynamic model of
multilingualism. The writing is clear and the argumentation cogent
throughout, and although the text is certainly not an easy read, its
insightfulness fully repays the close attention it demands. There is
absolutely no doubt that this volume will quickly become - and will
deserve to become - an indispensable reference-point in any discussion
of multilingualism. David Singleton, Associate Professor of Applied
Linguistics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.

KEY FEATURES
Combines two fields of research: theory of dynamic systems and
multilingualism research
Provides a new model and set of concepts for the interpretation of
psycholinguistic phenomena observed in speakers of more than one
language
Authors' attempt to bring about a change of perspective in
psycholinguistics stimulates further debate and research

DESCRIPTION
The model presented in this volume draws together various strands of
research - second language acquisition theory, bilingualism research,
dynamic systems theory - to develop a novel approach to this
challenging subject. Its main focus lies on the psycholinguistic
dynamics of multilingualism, the processes of change in time affecting
two or more language systems.

CONTENTS
Preface; 1. Introductory Remarks; 2. Stages in Research on
Multilingualism; 3. Transfer Reconsidered; 4. Universal Grammar
Reviewed; 5. Multilingual Proficiency Reassessed; 6. A Dynamic Model of
Multilingualism Developed; 7. A Dynamic Model of Multilingualism
Analysed; 8. Holism Defended: A Systems Interpretation of Holism; 9.
Limitations, Conclusions and Outlook; Bibliography; Appendix

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Philip Herdina has published on the methodology of linguistics and
literature, theory of grammar and multilingualism. He is also the co-
author of a bilingual philosophical dictionary.

Ulrike Jessner has published on psycholinguistic issues in the fields
of second language acquisition, multilingualism and gender
issues. Recently she has co-edited the book English in Europe
(Multilingual Matters, 2000). Both authors are Associate Professors
of English Linguistics at the University of Innsbruck, Austria.

January 2002 Multilingual Matters 121 210 x 148mm xi+ 188pp

Hbk ISBN 1-85359-468-7 �49.95/ US$74.95/ CAN$99.95
Pbk ISBN 1-85359-467-9 �19.95/ US$29.95/ CAN$39.95
 
Kathryn King
Multilingual Matters Ltd
Frankfurt Lodge, Clevedon Hall
Victoria Road, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 7HH, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1275-876519; Fax: +44 (0) 1275-871673
Email: kathrynmultilingual-matters.com
www.multilingual-matters.com