Second Language Writing Systems

Nineteen international academics and researchers contribute 17 chapters providing an overview of the emerging field of Second Language Writing Systems (L2WS) research. Bringing together different disciplines with their own theoretical and methodological insights cognitive, linguistic, educational and social factors of reading the text contains both research reports and theoretical papers. It offers a varied picture of how second language reading and writing relates to characteristics of writing systems, and who addresses fundamental questions about the relationships between bilingualism, biliteracy and writing systems. Written for second language acquisition and bilingualism researchers, students, and teachers, the text will also be of use to language teachers. Distributed in the U.S. by UTP Distribution. Annotation c2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Vivian Cook is Professor in Applied Linguistics at the University of Newcastle, previously having taught in London and Essex. After writing EFL course-books, he concentrated on linguistics and language learning in books such as Chomsky’s Universal Grammar and Second Language Learning and Language Teaching, and developed the concept of multi-competence through books such as Portraits of the L2 User. ?He was founding President of the European Second Language Association (EUROSLA) . He has been exploring the English writing system through articles and books such as The English Writing System and Accomodating Brocolli in the Cemetary.?

Benedetta Bassetti holds a PhD from the University of Essex, where she wrote her thesis on Chinese as a Second Language Writing System. She previously has studied oriental languages and applied linguistics in Rome and London. She has presented her research at various international conferences.