LLT Journal, e-ISSN 2579-9533, p-ISSN 1410-7201, Vol. 26, No. 1, April 2023, pp. 408-410 LLT Journal: A Journal on Language and Language Learning http://e-journal.usd.ac.id/index.php/LLT Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 408 BOOK REVIEW: UNDERSTANDING SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION Title : Understanding Second Language Acquisition ISBN : 034090559X (ISBN-10) 978-0340905593 (ISBN-13) Editor : Bernard Comrie and Greville Corbett Publisher : New York, Routledge, 2008 Page : 320 pages Manna Dey North South University, Bangladesh University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom correspondence: deymanna113@gmail.com https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.v26i1.5953 received 24 February 2023; accepted 26 April 2023 Abstract Lourdes Ortega's "Understanding Second Language Acquisition" was first published by Routledge in 2008. Lourdes Ortega is an internationally renowned scholar in the field of second language acquisition and applied linguistics. Her work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the learning and acquisition of second languages. Lourdes Ortega’s Understanding Second Language Acquisition is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the study of second language acquisition (SLA). The book provides an in-depth exploration of the key concepts of SLA and offers a comprehensive overview of current research, theories, and approaches. It is a valuable resource for both language educators and students alike. Keywords: implications, language acquisition, learning, motivation, teaching In Understanding Second Language Acquisition, Ortega provides an in-depth analysis of the processes involved in SLA. She starts with a brief overview of the history of SLA and its theoretical foundations, then moves into a discussion of the most important issues and topics in the field. She examines the different approaches to SLA, including the use of language transfer, the role of input and output, the role of motivation, the importance of context, and the impact of interactional and individual learner variables. Ortega also covers the role of technology in language learning, the importance of assessment, and the implications of SLA research for language teaching and learning. In this book, Ortega brings together a wealth of research and information to provide readers with a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field. She has included numerous examples and activities to illustrate key concepts and to help mailto:deymanna113@gmail.com https://doi.org/10.24071/llt.v26i1.5953 LLT Journal, e-ISSN 2579-9533, p-ISSN 1410-7201, Vol. 23, No. 1, April 2023, pp. 408-410 409 readers understand the complexities of SLA. The book is also well-organized and written, making it accessible to both experts and beginners. Understanding Second Language Acquisition is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in SLA. It is a comprehensive, well-researched, and up-to-date guide to the field, and provides an excellent introduction to the key concepts and theories. It is also an invaluable resource for language educators, as it provides insight and guidance into the best practices for teaching and assessing language learners. One of the most positive aspects of Ortega's work is her commitment to research-based teaching practices. As such, Ortega has developed a comprehensive approach to second language learning that is informed by a range of interdisciplinary and research-based theories and methods. This includes an emphasis on the need to create meaningful and authentic language learning experiences, as well as the importance of providing learners with a supportive learning environment. Ortega's research also provides insight into the complex relationship between language, cognition, and social context. She highlights the importance of understanding how language is used in everyday contexts, as well as examining the role of culture in language learning. This helps to create a more nuanced picture of second language learning and provides teachers with valuable information that can inform their teaching practices. Furthermore, Ortega's work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the teaching of second languages. Her book, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, provides teachers with a comprehensive overview of the research and theories surrounding second language acquisition. It also offers practical advice for teachers on how to create effective language learning environments and materials. Overall, the positive aspects of Lourdes Ortega's work are undeniable. Her commitment to research-based teaching practices and her exploration of the complex relationship between language, cognition, and social context are invaluable contributions to the field of second language teaching and learning. Her book, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, provides a comprehensive overview of the research and theories surrounding second language acquisition and offers practical advice for teachers on how to create effective language learning environments and materials. As such, her work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of the learning and acquisition of second languages. In her book, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, Lourdes Ortega provides an in-depth analysis of the various theories, concepts, and research regarding how a second language is learned. Although she provides a comprehensive overview of this field and has been praised for her contributions to the field, some researchers have raised issues about certain aspects of her work. One criticism of Ortega’s book is that it does not provide enough practical advice for language teachers. Many researchers have argued that the book is largely theoretical and does not offer enough information on how to apply the theories and concepts to the classroom. For example, Ortega does not provide concrete advice on how to design lesson plans or how to use technology to support language learning. This has led to some criticism that the book is not suitable for language teachers. Another criticism of Ortega’s book is that it does not discuss the role of culture in second language acquisition. While Ortega does discuss the importance of being aware of the learner’s first language, she does not explicitly discuss the LLT Journal, e-ISSN 2579-9533, p-ISSN 1410-7201, Vol. 23, No. 1, April 2023, pp. 408-410 410 role of culture in learning a second language. This is an important factor to consider when learning a language as culture can influence the way a person learns and uses a language. For example, some learners may have difficulty understanding idioms or slang if they are not familiar with the culture. Finally, some researchers have argued that Ortega’s book does not adequately address the role of motivation in second language acquisition. While Ortega does discuss the importance of motivation, she does not elaborate on how to motivate learners or how to create a positive learning environment. This is an important factor to consider when designing language teaching curricula as motivation can have a significant impact on the success of language learning. Overall, while Ortega’s book provides an invaluable overview of the various theories, concepts, and research regarding second language acquisition, some researchers have raised issues about certain aspects of her work, such as her lack of practical advice for language teachers, her omission of the role of culture, and her lack of discussion of the role of motivation. In conclusion, Lourdes Ortega's book, Understanding Second Language Acquisition, is a comprehensive text that provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field of second language acquisition. It is an excellent resource for language teachers, researchers, and learners alike. Not only does it offer an accessible introduction to the theories and research findings in the field, but it also provides invaluable insights into the complexities of language learning and the importance of both individual and contextual factors. It is written in an accessible style that is both informative and engaging. Overall, the book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about language acquisition. It provides an important foundation for those who are just entering the field, as well as invaluable information and perspectives for those who already have some knowledge of the topic. It is a book that should be on the shelves of any serious language learner, teacher or researcher. Reference Ortega, L. (2008). Understanding second language acquisition (1st ed.). London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203777282 https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203777282