Inquiry: LA text (with special attention to AmerIndian languages)

[sm167]

Date:  Fri, 13 Apr 2001 09:30:17 -0500
From:  "Catherine Rudin/HU/AC/WSC" <CaRudin1 at wsc.edu>
Subject:  acquisition text

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