This unique book provides a lively introduction to the theory and research surrounding the adult learning of English for Speakers of Other Languages. Offering a digest and discussion of current debates, the book examines a wide geographical and social spread of issues, such as:

* how to understand the universal characteristics of learning an additional language
* what makes a 'good' language learner
* multilingualism and assumptions about monolingualism
* learning the written language
* the effect of recent Government immigration policy on language learning...

This unique book provides a lively introduction to the theory and research surrounding the adult learning of English for Speakers of Other Languages. Offering a digest and discussion of current debates, the book examines a wide geographical and social spread of issues, such as:

* how to understand the universal characteristics of learning an additional language
* what makes a 'good' language learner
* multilingualism and assumptions about monolingualism
* learning the written language
* the effect of recent Government immigration policy on language learning...