Describes two related experiments into the effect of prereading on the text comprehension of a population of second-language (L2) learners at three proficiency levels. Indicates that the more constraining, schemata-provision formats used in experiment one are more effective as aids to text comprehension. (MG)

An examination of second-language acquisition research assumptions argues that second language data are important to understanding the nature of language. Exploration of theoretical underpinnings and empirical evidence relating to language universals indicates that research must consider how disparate facts of language are conceptually related…

A review of the acquisition of second-language phonology focuses on the following areas: (1) the various factors that have been found to influence the acquisition process, and (2) a discussion of topics in the phonological description of the learner language. (46 references) (GLR)

Argues for a shift in emphasis in the investigation of universals in second-language acquisition. To construct a psycholinguistically plausible theory of acquisition, research must proceed simultaneously on the elaboration of several theories regarding computation consistent with human biology, structural universals and variation, meaning, and…

Discusses prominent base units of discourse analysis designed for dealing with structural characteristics of second-language discourse, and offers arguments in favor of selecting the utterance as a valuable base unit. (95 references) (GLR)

Reviews recent research, and discusses difficulties inherent in research, on the language development of bilingual children. Recommendations are made supporting a multidisciplinary approach to research on language development in bilingual children, and suggested avenues of inquiry within such a framework are outlined. (112 references) (Author/OD)

Fifteen anecdotes representing technical, conceptual, and political problems experienced by internationally recognized experts in the field of second language learning are presented. The anecdotes provide valuable insight for other researchers, users of research results, and for critical analyses of the second language research process. Author/CB)

Discusses the most significant findings of recent research and scholarship on the nature of the brain and its relevance to the teaching and learning of human languages. Topics covered include: (1) whether the brain is highly integrated or componential; (2) differences between conscious and unconscious processes; (3) hemispheric specialization; (4)…

Much research has posited a developmental sequence approach in second-language acquisition. This study reexamines the original social-psychological research upon which the multidimensional model is based and shows that it is incorrect because of faulty analysis. It also examines the limited applicability/generalizability of the developmental…

Two researchers respond to a previous "TESOL Quarterly" article that assessed the state of the art of research and classroom applications of learning strategies, and the author of the article responds to those comments. (71 references) (JL)

Reviews recent research in universal grammar-based child second language acquisition (SLA) research, arguing that child SLA studies can better explore the role of biological factors in language acquisition and strengthen the links between SLA and linguistic theory. (129 references) (MDM)

Introduces this thematic issue on the construction of discourse by non-native speakers, reviewing the topics, methodology, and results of the six papers that follow. (contains three references) (MDM)

Six major points in Griffiths and Sheen's paper are refuted and corrected. Insights are suggested that second-language acquisition (SLA) researchers might gain from a genuine reappraisal of field dependence/independence in SLA research. (39 references) (Author/LB)

A description and analysis of domain theory is outlined and evaluated to highlight the difficulties of using domain theory as a basis for research into variability in interlanguage. (34 references) (VWL)

Presents, through an interview format, several language specialists' perspectives on foreign language anxiety, covering second-language teaching and theoretical implications, language anxiety sources and manifestations, language anxiety reduction, and areas requiring further research. (41 references) (Author/CB)