In commercial materials for the teaching of second language (L2) pronunciation, common bottom-up approaches segment phonology into a series of discrete and decontextualized linguistic components with rules that students are encouraged to internalize. Such approaches seem out of step with recent second language acquisition (SLA) theory and research…

This article discusses the importance of understanding the language learning process for more effective teaching. Language learning is seen as no different from other cognitive processes, and is considered a creative activity. Variables that determine the nature of language learning are discussed. (CLK)