Biography
I was born in Poole (Dorset) in 1948. I was educated at the local Catholic primary school and state grammar school. I took my primary degree (Moderatorship in Modern Languages - French and German -, Class I) at Trinity College Dublin and my doctorate (in French Linguistics) at the University of Cambridge. My first lecturing position was in the French Department of St Patrick's College, Drumcondra, but since 1980 I have been a member of staff of the Centre for Language and Communication Studies, Trinity College Dublin. I have been deeply involved in various professional organizations - including the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics (President 1982-85), the Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée (Secretary General 1993-96) and the European Second Language Association (President 1999-2003).
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Primary school learning: The general empirical picture and specific policy issues in the Irish context in, editor(s)Marianne Nikolov, Stela Letica Krevelj , Early Foreign Learning and Teaching: Evidence versus Wishful Thinking, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2025, pp292 - 307, [David Singleton]
Learning multiple languages in an instructional setting: insights from the study of affordances and from the conceptualization(s) of translanguaging in, editor(s)D. Gabrys-Barker & E. Vetter , Modern Approaches to Researching Multilingualism, Berlin, Springer, 2024, pp147 - 159, [Singleton, D. & Flynn, C. J.]
David Singleton, Justyna Lesniewska, The role of age in second language development, Language Teaching Research Quarterly, 39, (1), 2024, p359 - 371
Listening development and learner age in, editor(s)Wagner, E., Batty, A.O. & Galaczi E. , The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Listening, New York & London, Routledge, 2024, pp83 - 98, [Lesniewska, J. & Singleton, D.]
Pfenninger, S.E., Festman, J. & Singleton, D., Second Language Acquisition and Lifelong Learning, First, New York & London, Routledge, 2023, 1 - 242pp
Bilingualism and age in, editor(s)Carole A. Chapelle , The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, New York, Wiley, 2023, [David Singleton]
David Singleton, Dorota Zaborska, Migrant and third-age language learners telling stories, Strani Jezici, 52, (1), 2023, p37 - 48
Age in, editor(s)S. Li, P. Hiver & M. Papi , The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Individual Differences, London & New York, Routledge, 2022, pp251 - 265, [D. Singleton & S.E. Pfenninger]
Singleton, D. & Flynn C.J., Translanguaging: A pedagogical concept that went wandering, International Multilingual Research Journal, 16, (2), 2022, p136 - 147
Singleton, D. & Flynn C.J., Language aptitude, language interaction and age of language learning: one reseacher's recent perspective, Language, Interaction, Acquisition, 12, (2), 2021, p284 - 304
"Phrasicon, phrase, phraseology" in, editor(s)S. Granger , Perspectives on the L2 Phrasicon: The View from Learner Corpora, Bristol, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2021, pp235 - 244, [David Singleton]
Is there a best age for second language learning? Evidence from across the lifespan? in, editor(s)R. Woore & E. Macaro , Debates in modern language education,, London, Routledge, 2021, pp50 - 63, [Pfenninger, S.E., Singleton, D. ]
Singleton, D. & Leśniewska, J., The Critical Period Hypothesis: An unfalsifiable embarrassment?, Languages, 6, (3), 2021
Grammatical questions: phraseological answers in, editor(s)A. Uberman M. Trinder , Text-sentence-word: Studies in English linguistics, Volume IV, Rzesow:, Wydawnicwo Universytetu Reszow, 2021, pp109 - 119, [David Singleton]
Singleton, D. & Leśniewska, J., Phraseology: where lexicon and syntax conjoin, Language and Education: An International Journal., 1, (1), 2021, p46 - 58
Singleton, D., The random and the non-random in intra-individual L2 variation, Linguistics Vanguard, 7, (s2), 2021
The translanguaging conundrum in, editor(s)S. Bátyi, M. Gósy, P. Heltai,, Z. Lengyel, S. Szentgyörgy , Bilingualism: Hungarian and non-Hungarian contexts, Pannon Egyetem, 2020, pp175 - 184, [David Singleton]
Singleton, D., Zaborska, D., Adults learning additional languages in their later years: the pain, the profit and the pleasure, Journal of Multilingual Theories and Practices , 1, (1), 2020, p112 - 124
Pfenninger, S.E. & Singleton, D., Starting age overshadowed: The primacy of differential environmental and family support effects on L2 attainment in an instructional context, Language Learning, 69, (S1), 2019, p207 - 234
Pfenninger, S.E. & Singleton, D., A critical review of research relating to the learning, use and effects of additional and multiple languages in later life, Language Teaching, 52, (4), 2019, p419 - 449
Pfenninger, S.E. & Singleton, D., Making the most of an early start to L2 instruction, Language Teaching for Young Learners, 1, (2), 2019, p111 - 138
Singleton, D., Discussion, European Journal of Higher Education, 9, (3), 2019, p343 - 350
Singleton, D., Bi-/multilingual communication, identity and the posited intermingling of language systems in the mind, Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition, 5, (2), 2019, p25 - 38
Singleton, D., Pfenninger, S.E., Exploring a poorly understood variable: An agenda for classroom research on the age factor, Language Teaching, 52, (1), 2019, p111 - 127
Ageing and multilingualism in, editor(s)Singleton, D., Aronin, L. , Twelve chapters on multilingalism, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2019, pp213 - 230, [Munoz, C., Singleton, D.]
Really late learners: Some research contexts and some practical hints in, editor(s)Gabryś-Barker, D., , Third age learners of foreign languages, Bristol, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2018, pp19 - 30, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Pfenninger, S.E., L2 acquisition in childhood, adulthood and old age: Misreported and under-researched dimensions of the age factor, Journal of Second Language Studies , 1, (2), 2018, p254 - 275
The 'earlier=better' assumption through the ages: On the origin and history of a myth in SLA and its pedagogical consequences in, editor(s)Ubermann, A. Dick-Bursztyn, M. , Language in the new millenium: applied-linguistic and cognitive considerations, Bern, Peter Lang, 2018, pp41 - 61, [Pfenninger, S. E. & Singleton, D.]
Children's second language acquisition with a focus on the age debate in, editor(s)Garton, S Copland, F., , The Routledge handbook of teachng English to young learners, London, Routledge, 2018, pp30 - 43, [Singleton, D. & Pfenninger, S.E.]
Singleton, D., Pfenninger, S.E., L2 Proficiency as a function of cultural identity in interlingual couples, Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition, 4, (1), 2018, p7 - 22
Simone Pfenninger David Singleton, Beyond age effects in instructional L2 learning: Revisiting the age factor,, First, Bristol, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2017, 1 - 271pp
Reporting on politically sensitive issues: The case of telling the truth about early L2 instruction in, editor(s)Rose H., McKinley, J. , Doing Real Research in Applied Linguistics, London, Routledge, 2017, pp214 - 224, [Singleton, D., Pfenninger, S.E.]
Recent advances in quantitative methods in age related research in, editor(s)Pfenninger , S.E., Navracsics, J. , Future research directions for applied linguistics, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2017, pp101 - 119, [Pfenninger, S. E., Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Language aptitude: desirable trait or acquirable attribute?, Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 7, (1), 2017, p89 - 103
Second language acquisition and age effects: The research conundrum in, editor(s)Cergol Kovačević, K. Udier, S. L., , Applied linguistic research and methodology, Frankfurt am Main, Peter Lang, 2017, pp15 - 36, [Pfenninger, S. E. & Singleton, D.]
CPH theory, early classroom instruction and age-related issues that are separable from age in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , Classroom-oriented research: reconciling theory and practice, Berlin, Springer, 2016, pp231 - 242, [Singleton, D.]
Pfenninger, S.E., Singleton, D., Age of onset, socio-affect and cross-linguistic influence: a long-term classroom study, Vigo International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 13, 2016, p147 - 180
Age and identity in, editor(s)Regan, V., Diskin, C. Martyn, J., , Language, identity and migration: voices from transnational speakers and communities, Oxford, Peter Lang, 2016, pp83 - 87, [Skrzypek, A., Singleton, D.]
Pfenninger, S. E., Singleton, D., Affect trumps age: a person-in-context relational view of age and motivation in SLA, Second Language Research, 32, (3), 2016, p311 - 345
Pfenninger, S. E., Singleton, D.], Affect trumps age: a person-in-context relational view of age and motivation in SLA, Second Language Research, 32, (3), 2016, p311 - 345
A critical reaction from second language acquisition research in, editor(s)Cook, V. Wei, L. , The Cambridge handbook of linguistic multicompetence, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2016, pp502 - 520, [Singleton, D.]
Pfenninger, S E., Singleton D., The age factor in the foreign language class: What do learners think?, Theory and Practice of Second Language Acquisition , 3, (1), 2016, p7 - 23
Reading for remembering: on the long-term impact of starting age on retention and recall of target-language input in, Galajda, D., Zakrajewski, P., Pawlak, M. , Researching second language learning and teaching from a psycholinguistic perspective, Berlin, Springer, 2016, pp71 - 86, [Pfenninger, S E., Singleton D.]
Language awarenessand language aptitude - kissing cousins in, editor(s)Bátyi, S. Vígh-Szabó, M., , Studies in Psycholinguistics 5, Budapest, Tinta Könyvkiadó, 2015, pp267 - 276, [Singleton, D.]
Insights from a mixed methods approach with respect to age and lonrg-term instructed language learning in, editor(s)Navracsics, J. Bátyi, S. , Studies in Psycholinguistics 6, Budapest, Tinta Könyvkiadó, 2015, pp11 - 21, [Pfenniger, S.E., Singleton, D.]
Cross-lexical interaction and the structure if the mental lexicon in, editor(s)Yu L. Odlin, T., , New perspectives on transfer in second language learning, Bristol, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2015, pp51 - 62, [Singleton, D.]
Attitudes towards and perceptions of English L2 acquisition among Polish migrants in Ireland in, editor(s)Geraghty, B. & Conacher, J.E., , Intercultural contact, language learning and migration, London, Bloomsbury, 2014, pp112 - 130, [Skrzypek, A., Kopečková, R., Bidzińska, B.& Singletton, D.]
Alternative perspectives on ultimate attainment in, editor(s)Bátyi, S., Navracsics, J. & Vígh-Szabó, M., , Papers in language acquisition, language learning and speech research 4, Budapest & Veszprém, Gondolat Kiadó/Pannon Egyetem MFTK,, 2014, pp130 - 136, [Singleton, D.]
Phonological short-term memory and the operation of cross-linguistic factors in elementary and pre-intermediate L2 adult learners' collocational usage in, editor(s)Szubko, W., Salski L. & Stalmaszczyk, P. , Language learning, discourse and communication: studies in honour of Jan Mayer, Berlin, Springer, 2014, pp183 - 192, [Skrzypek, A.& Singleton, D.]
Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 4, 3, (2014), 403 - 578p, Singleton, D., [ed], Autumn 2014
Singleton, D., Apt to change: The problematic of language awareness and language aptitude in age-related research, Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 4, (3), 2014, p557 - 571
Kinsella, C. & Singleton, D., Much more than age, Applied Linguistics, 35, (4), 2014, p441 - 462
Cook, V. & Singleton, D., Key Topics in Second Language Acquisition, Bristol, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2014, 1 - 149pp
Minority Language Use in Ireland: The Time Feature in, Singleton, David, Joshua Fishman, Larissa Aronin and Muiris O Laoire , Current Multilingualism: A New Linguistic Dispensation , Berlin, Mouton de Gruyter, 2013, pp121 - 138, [Singleton, David, Larissa Aronin and Lorna Carson]
Multilingualism and philosophy, Chapelle, C. A. (General Editor), Cenoz J., Gorter, D. (Area Editors), The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, New York, Wiley-Blackwell, 2013, pp3951 - 3954, [Aronin, L., Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Fishman, J., Aronin, L., O Laoire, M. (eds.), Current Multilingualism: A New Linguistic Dispensation , Berlin, Mouton de Gruyter, 2013, 1 - 377pp
Age and the classroom learning of additional languages in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , Classroom-oriented research , Berlin, Springer, 2013, pp3 - 13, [Singleton, D. & Skrzypek, A]
Affective dimensions of second language ultimate attainment in, editor(s)Gabryś-Barker, D., Bielska, J. , The affective dimension in second language acquisition , Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2013, pp29 - 34, [Singleton, D]
Singleton, D., Regan, V., Debaene, E., Linguistic and Cultural Acquisition in a Migrant Community, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2013, 1 - 182pp
Skrzypek,A. & Singleton. D., Cont olled versus free production of English collocations by adult Polish learners: the role of short-term memory, Vigo International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 10, (1), 2013, p105 - 129
Variation in English lexical acquisition among Polish migrant children in Ireland in, editor(s)Singleton, D., Regan, V., Debaene, E. , Linguistic and Cultural Acquisition in a Migrant Community, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2013, pp152 - 182, [Walsh, P. & Singleton, D.]
Second language phonology: a critical perspective on critical period perspectives in, editor(s)Berndt, A. , Fremdsprachen in der Perspektive lebenslangen Lernens, Frankfurt an Main, Peter Lang, 2013, pp119 - 128, [Singleton, D., Kopeckova, R.]
Bilingualism and age, Chapelle, C. A. (General Editor), Cenoz J., Gorter, D. (Area Editors), The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, New York, Wiley-Blackwell, 2013, pp443 - 447, [Singleton, D]
Bilingualism and Age in, editor(s)Carol A. Chapelle , The Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics, New York, 2013, [David Singleton]
Aronin, L.., Singleton, D., Affordances theory in multilingualism studies, Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching, 2, (3), 2013, p311 - 332
Phonological short-term memory and knowledge of L2 collocations: The direction of causality in, editor(s)Mańczak-Wohlfeld, E., Jodłowiec,M. , Exploring the Microcosm and Macrocosm of Language Teaching and Learning. A Festschrift on the Occasion of 70th Birthday of Professor Anna Niżegorodcew, Cracow, Jagiellonian University Press, 2013, pp115 - 132, [Skrzypek, A., Singleton, D.]
Skrzypek, A., Singleton, D., Productive knowledge of English collocations in adult Polish learners: The role of short-term memory, Vigo International Journal of Applied Linguistics , 10, 2013, p105 - 129
Age factors, Byram, M. Hu, A.,, Routledge Encyclopedia of Language Teaching and Learning, 2nd edition, Abingdon, Routledge, 2013, pp23 - 26, [Singleton. D]
Aronin, L., Singleton, D., Multilingualism, Amsterdam, John Benjamins, 2012, 1-230pp
Age and SLA: Research Highways and Bye-Ways in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , New Perspectives on Individual Differences in Language Learning and Teaching, Berlin, Springer-Verlag, 2012, pp97 - 111, [Singleton, D, Lesniewska, J]
JACET(ed.), JACET 51st International Convention, A critical exploration of the role of the age factor in the promotion of early instruction in additional languages, International Convention Proceedings of the JACET 51st International Convention, Nagoya, 31Aug-2 Sept 2012, The Japan Association of College English Teachers, 2012, 7-13 p
Ultimate attainment and the Critical Period Hypothesis: Some thorny issues in, editor(s)Watorek, M., Benazzo, S., Hickmann. M. , Comparative perspectives on language acquisition, Bristol, Multilingual Matters, 2012, pp188 - 203, [Singleton, D.]
Multilingual lexical operations: keeping it all together ... and apart in, editor(s)Cabrelli Amaro, J. Flynn, S. Rothman, J. , Third language acquisition in adulthood, Amsterdam, John Benjamins, 2012, pp95 - 113, [Singleton, D,]
Poles Experiencing English (and much more!) in Ireland in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , Extending the Boundaries of Research on Second Language Learning and Teaching, Berlin, Springer Verlag, 2011, pp103 - 110, [Singleton, D]
International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 49, 2, (2011), 1 - 194p, Howard, M., O Laoire, M., Singleton, D., [eds.], one year
Unsayable things in the context of age-related SLA research in, editor(s)Panajoti, A , The said and the unsaid: Papers on language, literature and cultural studies, Vlora, University of Vlora, 2011, pp131 - 138, [Singleton, D.]
Aronin, L. , O Laoire, M., Singleton, D., The multiple faces of multilingualism: Language nominations, Applied Linguisics Review, 2, 2011, p169 - 190
Munoz, C., Singleton, D., A critical review of age-related research on L2 ultimate attainment, Language Teaching, 44, (1), 2011, p1 - 35
Around and beyond the Critical Period Hypothesis in, editor(s)Hinkel, E. , Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning. Volume 2, London, Routledge, 2011, pp407 - 425, [Singleton, D, Munoz, C]
Singleton, D, Review of Processes in Third Language Acquisition, by B. Hammarberg , Applied Linguistics, 32, (1), 2011, p116-118
Singleton, D., Context matters: A brief commentary on the paper by Trofimovich, International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 49, 2011, p191 - 192
Singleton, D., Integrating neurolinguistics into second language acquisition research, Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies, 12, 2011, p24 - 31
The language educational experience of Polish migrants in France and Ireland in, editor(s)O'Rourke, B Carson, L. , Language learner autonomy: policy, curriculum, classroom, Oxford, Peter Lang, 2010, pp171 - 188, [Debaene, E., Singleton, D]
Cross-lexical interplay and the organization of the mental lexicon in, editor(s)Kurczynski, M. , Language, thought and education. Volume 2, Zielona Góra, University of Zielona Góra Press, 2010, pp33 - 44, [Singleton, D]
The polyvalence of taboo language in, editor(s)Jodlowiec, M Lesniewska, J. , Ambiguity and the Search for Meaning: English and American Studies at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Volume 2: Language and Culture., Krakow, Jagiellonian University Press, 2010, pp53 - 62, [Singleton, D]
International Journal of the Sociology of Language , 2010, 205, (2010), 1 - 192p, Aronin, L, Singleton, D, [eds.], One issue
EUROSLA Yearbook, 10, (2010), 1 - 281p, Roberts, L., Howard, M., O Laoire, M., Singleton, D., [eds.], one year
Aronin, L., Singleton, D, , Affordances and the diversity of multilingualism , International Journal of the Sociology of Language , 2010, (205), 2010, p105 - 129
Multilingual language learners' use of affordances: theoretical perspectives and some evidence in, editor(s)Arabski, J, Wojtaszek, A. , Multidisciplinary perspectives on second language acquisition and foreign language learning, Katowice, University of Silesia Press, 2009, pp170 - 182, [Singleton, D., Aronin, L.]
Salience or context in the processing of L1 and L2 multi-word units? in, editor(s)Wysocka, M. , On language structure, acquisition and teaching, Katowice, University of Silesia Press, 2009, pp293 - 304, [Cie licka, A, O'Rourke, B., Singleton, D.]
'Second Language Acquisition and Native Language Maintenance in the Polish Diaspora in Ireland and France' and 'Our Languages: Who in Ireland Speaks and Understands Russian?' [The rationale, structure and aims of two Dublin-based research projects] in, editor(s)Maciej Duszczyk, Magdalena Lesinska (red.) , Wspolczesne migracje: dylematy Europy i Polski; Contemporary Migrations: Dilemmas of Europe and of Poland, Warsaw, Centre of Migration Research, 2009, pp196 - 220, [Singleton, D., Smyth, S. & Debaene, E.]
Unspeakable words: the taboo fringe of the lexicon in, editor(s)Dynel, M. , Advances in Discourse Approaches, Newcastle upon Tyne, Cambridge Scholars, 2009, pp130 - 146, [Singleton, D.]
Age and SLA: research highways and byeways in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , New perspectives on individual differences in language learning and teaching , Poznan - Kalisz, Adam Mickiewicz University Press, 2009, pp109 - 124, [Singleton, D., Lesniewska, J.]
Child language development in a multilingual environment in, editor(s)Lengyel, Z., Navracsics, J. , Tanulmányok a mentális lexikonról. Studies on the mental lexicon., Budapest, Tinta Kiadó, 2009, pp83 - 96, [Singleton, D., Ryan, L.]
The role of prior knowledge in L3 learning and use: further evidence of psychotypological dimensions in, editor(s)Aronin, L., Hufeisen, B. , The Exploration of Multilingualism: Development of Research on L3, Multilingualism and Multiple Language Acquisition, Amsterdam, John Benjamins, 2009, pp79 - 102, [Ó Laoire, M., Singleton, D.]
The place of English in a multilingual world in, editor(s)Arabski, J., Gabrys-Barker, D., Lyda, A. , PASE Papers 2007: Studies in Language and Methodology of Teaching Foreign Languages. Volume 1, Katowice, University of Silesia/PARA, 2008, pp11 - 21, [Singleton, D., Aronin, L.]
Aronin, L., Singleton, D., Multilingualism as a new linguistic dispensation, International Journal of Multilingualism, 5, (1), 2008, p1 - 16
Singleton, D., Language and the lexicon: an introduction, Korean translation, Seoul, Sam Yung Publishers, 2008, 1 - 324pp
The processing of multi-word units: Evidence from readers' eye movements in, editor(s)Myczko, K., Skowronek, B., Zabrocki, W. , Perspektywy glottodydaktyki i językoznawstwa. Tom jubileuszowy z okazji 70. urodzin Profesora Waldemara Pfeiffera, Poznań, Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM, 2008, pp39 - 55, [Cieślicka A, O'Rourke B, Singleton D.]
The philosophy of multilingualism in, editor(s)Martí Arnándiz, O. Safont Jordà, M.P. , Achieving Multilingualism: Wills and Ways, Castelló de la Plana, Universitat Jaume I, 2008, pp20 - 33, [Aronin, L, Singleton, D.]
The complexity of multilingual contact and language use in times of globalization in, editor(s)Vergaro, C. , Dynamics of language contact in the twenty-first century, Perugia, Guerra Edizioni, 2008, pp33 - 47, [Aronin, L., Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Exploring the Second Language Mental Lexicon, Chinese Edition, Beijing, Cambridge University Press/Beijing World Publishing, 2007, 1 - 341pp
Singleton, David, Aronin, Larissa, & Carson, Lorna, Minority Language Use in Ireland: The Time Feature, Paper delivered at the 11th International Conference on Minority Languages, 2007, Pécs, Hungary, 2007
Activation of literal and idiomatic meanings during on-line processing of L1 and L2 idioms in, editor(s)Arabski, J. , Challenging tasks for psycholinguistics in the new century, Katowice, Oficyna Wydawnicza Waclaw Walasek, University of Silesia, 2007, pp267 - 282, [Cieslicka, A., O'Rourke, B., Singleton, D.]
Open choice versus the Idiom Principle in L2 lexical usage in, editor(s)Pawlak, M. , Exploring focus on form in language teaching, Poznan, Faculty of Pedagogy and Fine Arts, Adam Mickiewicz University, 2007, pp207 - 222, [Singleton, D., Lesniewska, J., Witalisz, E.]
How integrated is the integrated mental lexicon? in, editor(s)Lengyel, Z., Navracsics, J. , Second language lexical processes, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd., 2007, pp10 - 29, [Singleton, D.]
Conceptions of the lexicon: approaches to second language vocabulary teaching: a historical perspective in, editor(s)Arabski, J. , On foreign language acquisition and effective learning, Katowice, University of Silesia Press, 2007, pp73 - 88, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D, The Critical Period Hypothesis: some problems, Interlingüística, 17, 2007, p48 - 56
Muñoz, C., Singleton, D., Foreign accent in advanced learners: two successful profiles., The EUROSLA Yearbook, 7, 2007, p171 - 190
Singleton D., Aronin, L., Multiple language learning in the light of the theory of affordances, Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 1, (1), 2007, p83 - 96
Singleton, D., Review of Age in L2 Acquisition and Teaching, by Christián Abello-Contesse, Rubén Chacón-Beltrán, M. Dolores López-Jiménez, M. Mar Torreblanca- López (eds.) , Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 28, (4), 2007, p346-347
Singleton, D., O Laoire, M., Psychotypologie et facteur L2 dans l'influence translexicale. Une analyse de l'influence de l'anglais et de l'irlandais sur le français L3 de l'apprenant, Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Etrangère, 24, 2006, p101 - 117
Identity and the second language learner in, editor(s)Lesniewska, J., Witalisz, E. , Language and identity. English and American studies in the age of globalization. Volume 2: Language and Culture, Krakow, Jagiellonian University Press, 2006, pp13 - 28, [Singleton, D.]
Lexical transfer: interlexical or intralexical? in, editor(s)J. Arabski , Cross-linguistic influences in the second language lexicon, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2006, pp130 - 143, [Singleton, D.]
Psychotypology and the "L2 factor" in cross-lexical interaction: an analysis of English and Irish influence in learner French in, editor(s)Bendtsen, M., Björklund, M., Fant, C. & Forsman, L. , Språk, lärande och utbildning i sikte, Vasa, Faculty of Education, Åbo Akademi., 2006, pp191 - 205, [Singleton, D. , Ó Laoire, M. ]
Lexical acquisition: a meaningful experience in, editor(s)Granić, J. , Semantika prirodnog jezika i metajezik semantike (Natural language semantics and the metalanguage of semantics), Zagreb/Split, Hvratsko Dru tvo za Primijenjenu Lingvistiku , 2005, pp665 - 680, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., The Critical Period Hypothesis: A coat of many colours, International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 43, (4), 2005, p269 - 285
Lexicon/Lexikon in, editor(s)Ammon, U. Dittmar, N. Mattheier, K.J. Trudgill, P , Sociolinguistics / Soziolinguistik: An International handbook of the science of language and society / Ein internationales Handbuch zur Wissenschaft von Sprache und Gesellschaft, Berlin, Walter de Gruyter, 2005, pp530 - 539, [Singleton, D., Kallen, J.]
A first encounter with Dutch: perceived language distance and transfer as factors in comprehension in, editor(s)Hufeisen, B. Fouser, R.J. , Introductory readings in L3, Tübingen, Stauffenberg Verlag, 2005, pp101 - 109, [Singleton, D., Little, D.]
Cieslicka, A., Singleton, D., Metaphorical competence and the L2 learner, Angles on the English-Speaking World , 4, 2004, p69 - 84
Criticizing the Critical Period Hypothesis in, editor(s)Arabski, J. , Pragmatics and language learning , Kraków, Universitas, 2004, pp219 - 229, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D, Ryan, L., Language acquisition: the age factor, Second Edition, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2004, 1 - 289pp
Singleton, D., Le facteur de l'âge dans l'acquisition d'une L2: remarques préliminaires, Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Étrangère, 18, 2003, p1 - 15
Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Étrangère, 18, (2003), 1 - 127p, Singleton, D., [eds.], 1 year
Perspectives on the multilingual lexicon: a critical synthesis in, editor(s)Cenoz, J. Jessner, U. Hufeisen, B , The multilingual lexicon, Dordrecht, Kluewer Academic, 2003, pp167 - 176, [Singleton, D.]
Critical period or general age factor(s)? in, editor(s)García Mayo, M.P. García Lecumberri, M.L. , Age and the acquisition of English as a foreign language, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 2003, pp3 - 22, [Singleton, D.]
The C-test and L2 acquisition/processing research in, editor(s)Coleman, J.A. Grotjahn, R. Raatz, U. , University language testing and the C-test, Bochum, AKS-Verlag, 2002, pp143 - 168, [Singleton, D., Singleton, E.]
Atomistic and incidental approaches to vocabulary learning in, editor(s)Arabski, J. , Time for words: studies in foreign language vocabulary acquisition, Frankfurt-am-Main, Peter Lang, 2002, pp191 - 199, [Singleton, D.]
Cross-linguistic operations in the mental lexicon and lexical change in, editor(s)Sampson, R. Ayres-Bennett, W. , Interpreting the history of French, Amsterdam/New York, Rodopi, 2002, pp243 - 258, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Age and second language acquisition, Annual Review of Applied Linguistics , 21, 2001, p77 - 89
Singleton, D., A második nyelv a 'mentális lexikon' kontextusában (The second language mental lexicon in context), Modern Nyelvoktatás (Modern Languages), 6, (2-3), 2000, p3 - 23
Singleton, D., Language and the lexicon: an introduction, London, Edward Arnold, 2000, 1 - 244pp
Singleton, D., Connectivité interlinguistique dans l'acquisition et l'exploitation du lexique de la langue seconde, Le Français dans le Monde, Special issue, (Didactique), 2000, p56 - 69
Age factors in, editor(s)Byram, M. , Routledge encyclopedia of language teaching and learning, London, Routledge, 2000, pp21 - 24, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Review of French second language education in Canada: empirical studies, by Lapkin, S. , System, 28, 2000, p626-628
Singleton, D., Learning and not learning L2 lexis: a case study, Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Étrangère, Special issue, 2, 1999, p37 - 47
Singleton, D., Review of Foreign language education: the easy way, by Krashen, S. , System, 27, 1999, p283-285
Singleton, D., Exploring the second language mental lexicon, Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1999, 1 - 341pp
L'approche communicative et « l'éveil au langage »: des frères ennemis? Quelques aperçus apportés par une expérience de l'enseignement précoce du français langue étrangère in, editor(s)Billiez, J. , De la didactique des langues à la didactique du plurilinguisme, Grenoble, CDL-LIDILEM, 1998, pp285 - 290, [Singleton, D., Furlong, A.]
Singleton, D., Age and the second language lexicon, Studia Anglica Posnaniensia, 23, 1998, p365 - 376
Singleton, D., Review of Second language acquisition, by Ellis, R. , System, 26, 1998, p143-145
Singleton, D., Learning and processing L2 vocabulary, Language Teaching, 30, 1997, p213 - 225
Singleton, D., Form and meaning in the L2 mental lexicon: a review of some relevant evidence, Linguistic Studies in Central Europe , 1, 1997, p155 - 169
Age and second language learning in, editor(s)Tucker, G.R. Corson, D. , Encyclopedia of language and education. Volume 4: second language education, Dordrecht, Kluwer Academic, 1997, pp43 - 50, [Singleton, D.]
Crosslinguistic aspects of the mental lexicon in, editor(s)Hickey, R. Puppel, S. , Language history and language modelling, Berlin, Mouton, 1997, pp1641 - 1652., [Singleton, D.]
Formal aspects of the L2 mental lexicon: some evidence from university-level learners of French in, editor(s)Sajavaara, K., Fairfeather, C. , Approaches to second language acquisition, Jyväskylä, University of Jyväskylä , 1996, pp79 - 85, [Singleton, D.]
Crosslinguistic lexical operations and the L2 mental lexicon in, editor(s)Hickey, T., Williams, J. , Language, education and society in a changing world, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd., 1996, pp246 - 252, [Singleton, D.]
Authentic texts, social reality and vocabulary learning in, editor(s)Tsopanoglou, A., Tryfona-Antonopoulou, N. , The sociolinguistic dimension in the teaching and learning of modern languages, Thessaloniki, Greek Applied Linguistics Association, 1996, pp298 - 309, [Singelton, D.]
Early second language instruction: evaluating the age factor dimension in, Abdrija evic, M. Zergollern-Miletic, L. , Jezik i komunikacij a (Language and communication), Zagreb, Croatian Applied Linguistics Association, 1996, pp458 - 462, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Cross-lexical consultation: out of the horse's mouth, Revista Canaria de Estudios Ingleses , 32-33 , 1996, p9 - 18
Introduction: a critical look at the Critical Period Hypothesis in second language acquisition research in, editor(s)Singleton, D., Lengyel, Z. , The age factor in second language acquisition: a critical look at the Critical Period Hypothesis, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd., 1995, pp1 - 29, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Review of The bilingual lexicon, by Schreuder, R., Weltens, B. , Applied Linguistics , 16, (1), 1995, p125-127
Singleton, D., Lengyel, Z. , The age factor in second language acquisition: a critical look at the Critical Period Hypothesis, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd, 1995, 1 - 160pp
Singleton, D., Second languages in the primary school: the age factor dimension, Teanga: The Irish Yearbook of Applied Linguistics, 15, 1995, p155 - 166
Ridley, J., Singleton, D., Strategic L2 lexical innovation: case study of a university-level ab initio learner of German, Second Language Research , 11, (2), 1995, p137 - 148
Ridley, J., Singleton, D., Contrastivity and individual learner contrasts, Fremdsprachen Lehren und Lernen , 24, 1995, p123 - 137
Singleton, D., Le rôle de la forme et du sens dans le lexique mental en L2, Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Étrangère, 3, 1994, p3 - 27
Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Etrangère, 3, (1994), Singleton, D., [ed.], 1 year
Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Etrangère, 3, (1994), Singleton, D., [eds.], 1 year
Defending notional-functional syllabuses in, editor(s)Brumfit, C. , The work of the Council of Europe and second language teaching, London, Macmillan, 1994, pp75 - 80, [Singleton, D.]
Learning L2 lexis: a matter of form? in, editor(s)Bartelt, G. , The dynamics of language processes: essays in honor of Hans Dechert, Tübingen, Narr, 1994, pp45 - 58, [Singleton, D.]
Activités métalinguistiques et apprentissage des langues étrangères: la dimension lexicale in, editor(s)Bourgignon, C., Foerster, C. , La grammaire: à quoi ça sert? , Grenoble, Presses Universitaires de Grenoble, 1993, pp161 - 173, [Singleton,D.]
Modularity and lexical processing: an L2 perpective in, editor(s)Kettemann, B., Wieden, W. , Current issues in European second language acquisition research, Tübingen, Narr, 1993, pp253 - 262, [Singleton, D.]
Acquisition et Interaction en Langue Etrangère, 3, (1993), Singleton, D., [ed.], 1 year
National identity and international needs: the case of language teaching in Ireland in, editor(s)Gnutzman, C., Königs, F., Pfeiffer, W. , Fremdsprachenunterricht im internationalen Vergleich - Perspecktive 2000, Frankfurt, Verlag Moritz Diesterweg, 1992, pp77 - 89, [Singleton, D.]
Le lexique mental de l'apprenant d'une langue étrangère: quelques aperçus apportés par le TCD Modern Languages Research Project in, editor(s)Bouchard, R., Billiez, J., Colletta, J.-M. , de Nuchèze, V., Millet, A., , Acquisition et enseignement/apprentissage des langues, Grenoble, LIDILEM, 1992, pp395 - 402, [Singleton, D., Little, D.]
Singleton, D., Languages in the schools: the limits of iconoclasm, Oideas, 38, 1992, p62 - 75
The C-test as an elicitation instrument in second language research in, editor(s)Grotjahn, R , Der C-Test. Theoretische Grundlagen und praktische Anwendungen, Bochum, Universitätsverlag Dr N. Brochmeyer, 1992, pp173 - 190, [Little, D. Singleton, D]
Singleton, D., Second language instruction: the when and the how, AILA Review, 9, 1992, p46 - 54
Singleton, D., Education towards language awareness in Ireland, Language Awareness, 1, (1), 1992, p47 - 57
Singleton, D., Review of Language transfer: cross-linguistic influence in language learning, by Odlin, T. , Applied Linguistics , 13, (1), 1992, p120-122
Singleton, D., Little, D., The second language lexicon: some evidence from university learners of French and German, Second Language Research , 7, (1), 1991, p61 - 82
Singleton, D., Review of Le Robert méthodique: dictionnaire méthodique du français actuel, by Rey-Debove, J. , Journal of French Language Studies , 1, 1991, p234-235
Authentic texts: pedagogic grammar and language awareness in foreign language learning in, editor(s)James C., Garrett, P , Language awareness in the classroom, London, Longman, 1991, pp123 - 132, [Little, D., Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Review of Registers of written English: situational factors and linguistic features, by Ghadessy, M. , Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development , 12, (3), 1991, p229-232
Singleton, D., Review of The role of the mother tongue in foreign language learning, by Ringbom, H. , Studies in Education , 6, (2), 1990, p58-60
Singleton, D., The Junior Certificate syllabuses for Italian and Spanish, Studies in Education, 7, (1), 1990, p50 - 56
The cross-linguistic factor in second language learning: a report on some small-scale studies recently conducted in Ireland in, editor(s)Shimapla, T., Yano, Y , Studies in applied linguistics, Tokyo, Liber Press, 1990, pp90 - 95, [Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Review of A spectrum of lexicography: papers from AILA Brussels 84, by Ilson, R.S. , Teanga: Journal of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics , 10, 1990, p133-137
Cognitive styles and learning approach in, editor(s)Duda, R., Riley, P , Learning styles, Nancy, Presses Universitaires de Nancy, 1990, pp11 - 19, [Little, D., Singleton, D.]
Singleton, D., Support for the self-instructional language learner: the case of the TCD engineers, Teanga: Journal of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, 10, 1990, p39 - 52
Singleton, D., Review of Language universals and second language acquisition, by Rutherford W.E. (ed.) , Teanga: Journal of the Irish Association of Applied Linguistics, 9, 1989, p102-104
Singleton, D., Language acquisition: the age factor, First Edition, Clevedon, Multilingual Matters Ltd., 1989, 1 - 323pp
Singleton, D., Review of Principles of course design for language teaching, by Yalden, J. , Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 10, (3), 1988, p412-414
Singleton, D., Pedagogical grammar as 'linguistics applied' , Journal of Applied Linguistics (Thessaloniki), 4, 1988, p81 - 90
Singleton, D., Review of Age in second language acquisition, by Harley, B. , Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 10, (2), 1988, p272-273
Singleton, D., Review of Age in second language acquisition, by Birgit Harley , Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 10, (2), 1988, p272-273
Singleton, D., Review of The use of Welsh, , by Ball, M.J. (ed.) , Language and Education , 2, (4), 1988, p281-283
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
Singleton, D, Globalization, language, and national identity: the case of Ireland. CLCS Occasional Paper No.68, 11 pp., 2007
Harrington, S., Singleton, D., Henry, A, At the sharp end of language revival: English-speaking parents raising Irish-speaking children. (CLCS Occasional Paper 57), 12 pp. , 2000
Singleton, D., Lexical processing and the "language module" (CLCS Occasional Paper 53; ERIC Reports ED 421 856), 38 pp., 1998
Singleton, D., Singleton, E., University-level learners of Spanish in Ireland: a profile based on data from the TCD Modern Languages Research Project (CLCS Occasional Paper 35; ERIC Reports ED 354 781), 12 pp., 1992
Singleton, D., French: some historical background, Dublin, Authentik, 1992, 1 - 81pp
Singleton, D., What can we do about vocabulary?, FTA Bulletin, Spring/Summer, 1990, p2 - 4
Singleton, D., The TCD Modern Languages Research Project: objectives, instruments and preliminary results (CLCS Occasional Paper 26; ERIC Reports ED 333 723, 19pp. , 1990
Little, D., Devitt, S., Singleton, D., Learning foreign languages from authentic texts: theory and practice, Dublin/London, Authentik/Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research, 1989, 1 - 122pp
Success factors in the language classroom in, editor(s)O'Meadhra, B., Richardson, B., Ó Cuilleanáin, C. , Languages in the 1990s: proceedings of the MTLA's Third National Modern Language Convention, Dublin, Modern Language Teachers' Association/Dublin City University, 1989, pp118 - 123, [Singleton, D.]
Setting the context: language learning, self-instruction and autonomy in, editor(s)Little, D. , Self-access systems for language learning, Dublin/London, Authentik/Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research , 1989, pp1 - 33, [Little, D., Singleton, D.]
Report on work of subgroup concerned with the analysis of authentic conversations in French in, editor(s)Palamidesi Cesaretti, F , International workshops for trainers of modern language teachers, 1985. Report on Workshop 13, Strasbourg, Council of Europe, 1988, pp100 - 101, [Singleton, D.]
Little, D., Devitt, S., Singleton, D. , Authentic texts in foreign language teaching: theory and practice, Dublin, Authentik, 1988, 1 - 112pp
Mac Mathúna, L., French, N., Murphy, E., Singleton, D. (eds.) , The less widely taught languages of Europe: proceedings of the UNESCO/AILA/IRAAL symposium held at St Patrick's College, Drumcondra,. , Dublin, Irish Association for Applied Linguistics, 1988, 1 - 206pp
Little, D., Singleton, D., Authentic materials and the role of fixed support in language teaching: towards a manual for language learners, Trinity College, Centre for Language and Communication Studies (CLCS Occasional Paper 20), and Alexandria, Virginia: ERIC Reports ED 316 033, 114pp., 1988
Research Expertise
Description
My research interests have ranged from fairly theoretical areas of linguistics (e.g. lexical semantics and semantic change) to very practical and applied domains (e.g. second language syllabus design). In recent times most of my research activity and publications have been concerned with second language acquisition, and in particular (i) cross-linguistic influence in second language acquisition and processing, (ii) the second language mental lexicon, (iii) multilingualism and (iv) age-related factors in second language acquisition.Recognition
Awards and Honours
Election to Fellowship of Trinity College Dublin
Medal of Honour, University of Silesia
Memberships
Member of the Philological Society
Member of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics
Member of the National Committee of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics
President of the Irish Association for Applied Linguistics
Member of the Executive Board of the Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée
Deputy Secretary General of the Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée
Secretary General of the Association Internationale de Linguistique Appliquée
Member of the European Second Language Acquisition
Secretary of the European Second Language Acquisition
President of the European Second Language Acquisition