Incidental language acquisition is the language that is learned informally, outside the constraints of the typical classroom, and vocabulary is one of the key elements in language learning and knowledge. This unique text is the first comprehensive overview and hands-on methodological guide for researching second language (L2) incidental vocabulary acquisition. Expert contributors from around the world synthesize the state of the art by defining key concepts and laying out the major theoretical perspectives, research methodologies, empirical findings, and pedagogical considerations involved in incidental L2 vocabulary learning research. By connecting research techniques to the theory that underpins them, detailing practical steps for designing and conducting rigorous new studies, and highlighting areas that deserve additional research attention, they further set the agenda for future work in this field and put readers in a strong position to understand and carry out this research independently. This book will be an invaluable resource to advanced students and researchers of second language acquisition, vocabulary studies, applied linguistics, education, and related areas.

This guide to vocabulary acquisition is essential reading for teachers of English as a second or foreign language. It presents the major ideas and principles that relate to the teaching and learning of vocabulary and evaluates a wide range of practical activities designed to help boost students’ vocabulary acquisition. Key questions which are answered include: • How many words should students learn at a time, and how often? • How much classroom time should be spent teaching vocabulary? • What is the best way to group vocabulary for learning? • Is it useful to provide students with the L1 translations of unknown words? • Why do some students make greater progress than others? stuart webb is Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. paul nation is Emeritus Professor in Applied Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Teachers will find answers to many of their perennial questions about vocabulary learning—as well as some they had not yet thought to ask! There is research evidence to support established practices, but also new evidence that challenges old ideas. patsy lightbown (co-author of How Languages are Learned, with Nina Spada)