Introduction1. Language learning in early childhoodPreviewFirst language acquisitionExplaining first language acquisitionLanguage disorders and delaysChildhood bilingualismSummarySuggestions for further reading2. Second language learningPreviewLearner characteristicsLearning conditionsStudying the language of second language learners VocabularyPragmaticsPhonologySampling learners’ languageSummarySuggestions for further reading3. Individual differences in second language learningPreviewResearch on learner characteristicsIndividual differences and classroom instructionAge and second language learningAge and second language instructionSummarySuggestions for further reading4. Explaining second language learningPreviewThe behaviourist perspectiveThe innatist perspectiveThe cognitive perspectiveThe sociocultural perspectiveSummarySuggestions for further reading5. Observing learning and teaching in the second language classroomPreviewNatural and instructional settingsObservation schemesEthnographySummarySuggestions for further reading6. Second language learning in the classroomPreviewProposals for teachingAssessing the proposalsSummarySuggestions for further reading7. Popular ideas about language learning revisitedPreviewReflecting on the popular ideas: Learning from researchConclusion

How Languages Are Learned, 4th edn. P. Lightbown & N. Spada. (2013) Oxford U. Press. ISBN 978-0-19-454126-8; 256pp+. This edition of the standard introductory work on this subject is over 20 pp. longer than the 3rd edition. A strong feature of this admirable book is its concise, clear summaries of important research findings. The chapters are; Language learning in early childhood, Second language learning (SLL), Individual differences in SLL, Explaining SLL, Observing learning and teaching in the SL classroom, SLL in the classroom, and Popular ideas about language learning revisited. Extra activities, study questions, and videos are available online at www.oup.com/elt/teacher/hlal