Self-concept and self-efficacy have been acknowledged as critical predictors of foreign language (L2) learning. However, these two constructs are so closely intertwined that how they function together during L2 learning remains to be determined. The current project aimed to reveal two uncertainties: the bidirectional relationship between L2…

This study explores the mental lexicon of Polish learners of Spanish as a foreign language (L2) through a qualitative analysis of lexical availability. Based on prototype theory and semantic network models, it analyzes learners' responses to two thematic prompts--'The Human Body' and 'The City'--to explore lexical associations, prototypicality,…

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is one of the standard analytical techniques used in EFL studies. It helps researchers to identify hidden constructs and check whether the survey instruments capture learners' beliefs, feelings and attitudes in EFL classrooms. However, many struggle with the application of EFA due to a lack of clear rationale for…

As we work to advance the field of second language (L2) pronunciation teaching and learning, we look to other fields that have guided advancements in the teaching of other aspects of language learning. Fields such as corpus linguistics, pragmatics, instructed second language acquisition (SLA), psycholinguistics, technology, and assessment have…

Abundant research has indicated fluency features as meaningful predictors of second language proficiency. However, the extent to which different fluency dimensions and features can predict proficiency remains underexplored. This meta-analysis employed a multilevel modeling approach to synthesize fluency-proficiency relationships from 71 empirical…

This study investigates the organization of the mental lexicon in Spanish as a foreign language in contrast to its structure in Spanish as a native language through semantic networks derived from lexical availability or semantic fluency tasks. To this end, we collected the responses of 75 American learners of Spanish and 75 native speakers in…

Previous research has found lexical access to be related to both categorization processes, whereby concepts are grouped into different types of categories such as taxonomic, experimental and ad hoc; and to semantic fluency, which is concerned with an individual's ability to produce words related to a specific category. However, studies analyzing…

This study aims to determine the academic scope, growth dynamics, co-authorship networks, and most frequently used keywords in studies on foreign language anxiety (FLA) within the context of foreign language studies, as indexed in the WoS database. The literature review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and 595 studies published in WoS…

Adults learning a new language tend to judge unconventional utterances more leniently than fluent speakers do; ratings on acceptable utterances, however, tend to align more closely with fluent speakers. This asymmetry raises a question as to whether unconventional utterances can be statistically preempted by conventional utterances for adult…

Past studies have shown that first language and second language (L2) listeners can adapt to unfamiliar L2 pronunciation. However, little is known about the process of adaptation, especially by L2 listeners. The present study examined the degree to which L2 listeners' adaptation process is influenced by speaker intelligibility and input…

This study uncovers the development and structure of the research on English as a second or foreign language in post-Soviet countries. In total, 500 publications from the Web of Science database were analyzed. The findings revealed that the authors involved tend to cross borders in co-authorship publications. There is a small exchange of…

The speech styles of young German speakers in entertainment and social media employ slang, English, and jargon for current social issues including LGBTQIA+ sexuality: "geil," "krass," "Alter" or "queer," "Yaas Queen," "coming-out" or "gendern," "pansexuell,"…

The development of English-language skills, a near necessity in today's global economy, is heavily influenced by historical national decisions about whether to subtitle or dub TV content. While prior studies of language acquisition have focused on schools, we show the overwhelming influence of out-of-school learning. We identify the causal effect…

This study aims to investigate and compare the efficiencies of gamification and ludicization in foreign language learning regarding learning outcome, readiness, engagement, and academic buoyancy. Regarding the theoretical frameworks, gamification and ludicization, feasible in foreign language learning through interaction and problem-solving…

In this final article in this guest-edited issue on synergies in second language acquisition and teaching (SLA/T), we attempt to bring together the main content of this issue in an overall, combined synergy statement, concluding this project as a whole. Let us remind readers of the project: A shared effort by 17 scholars taking 11 different…