Adult Minority Language Learning

Written in a highly readable style, this book details the findings of an in-depth and timely study among adult language learners, investigating the role of motivation, language attitudes and linguistic identities in determining levels of acquisition of (varieties of) the Irish language. The book constitutes a valuable resource for researchers, teachers and students interested in second language acquisition, bilingualism and sociolinguistics.

* Robert M. McKenzie, Northumbria University, UK *

Offering new insights into language attitudes in a minority language context, this volume makes a timely contribution to our understanding of the self-concept of adult language learners from an affective perspective. Flynn not only provides readers with a robust empirical account of learner attitudes within the Irish language context, but also sheds light on the challenge of language learning through the lifespan.

* Lorna Carson, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland *

This is a remarkable ‘one-stop-shop’ for researchers and practitioners working in the general area of second language teaching and learning; full of stimulating ideas, enlightening insights and valuable references. This book breaks new ground in research on the learning of an L2 as a minority language and is a ‘must’ for all researchers, curriculum designers and teachers working in the area of adult second language learning.

* Muiris Ó Laoire, Institute of Technology, Tralee, Ireland *

In addition to the chapters dealing with methodology and results, Flynn also provides useful background information, reviewing the history of the decline of Irish, the growth of English dominance, the emergence of regional dialects, and national attempts at Irish revitalisation [...] There is a concise and historically informed review of second-language acquisition research on attitude, motivation and identity.

-- Catherine L. Caldwell-Harris, Boston University, USA * Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 2021 *

Flynn has provided a fascinating way into thinking about why adult learners choose one variety or another as he explores what motivates adult learners of minority languages. As such, [the book] provides a useful case study investigating adult learners’ attitudes which could be applied to other minority language contexts.

-- Rachel O’Neill, University of Edinburgh, UK * BAAL News, Issue 121, Summer 2022 *

Flynn has provided the field with an impressive and in-depth study of adult language learner seeking to acquire the Irish heritage language. This is a must-read book for researchers, educators, and students in the field of SLA and bilingualism. For those seeking to enhance their understanding of language learning in diverse contexts, this book provides valuable insight into language attitudes regarding native and non-native varieties, which encompasses learners’ awareness of such variants and aspirations toward native models.

-- Sergio Loza, University of Oregon, USA and Valeria Ochoa, Arizona State University, USA * International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 20