Responds to claims regarding second-language acquisition (SLA) research. The claims refer to the existence of multiple theories in SLA research, relativism in the field and acceptability and testing of findings. The article argues that SLA is a process of exploration and speculation rather than one of discovery and proof and suggests that SLA is…

In response to a previous article (Bialystok) on perspectives on the development of applied linguistics, this article begins by adding its own perspectives to what has already been offered. The article concludes by discussing the research agenda for the future. (Author/JL)

Problematizes the use of the interview for research on second language acquisition and second language teaching. (Author/VWL)

Responds to an earlier article that introduced the concept of foreign language reading anxiety and reported the results of a preliminary study of reading anxiety. Argues that the explanations for the study findings are misguided. (Author/VWL)

Compares the four international systems of linguistic communication used in the field (systems used in the United Nations, multinationals, the European Union, and Esperanto organizations) on select criteria (e.g., previous government investment). Discusses research that shows unilingual systems (English used alone, Esperanto) are those that…

Within a socio-cultural theory approach, explored the basic conceptualizations of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching and learning reflected in metaphorical representations of an ESL teacher. Nine distinct conceptual metaphors for an ESL teacher with entailed views of the ESL learner and the teaching and learning processes emerged.…

Argues for refinement in the traditional approach to transfer in second language acquisition (SLA), where transfer is generally investigated as the unidirectional influence of native (or other language) knowledge on acquisition and use of a second language. Shows transfer can be bidirectional, influencing an individual's use of both the first and…

Demonstrates how second language acquisition research can inform textbook writers and language teachers. Presents an analysis of 40 English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) grammar textbooks, which shows that few mention unaccusative verbs or inappropriate passives in their presentation of active and passive voice. Offers suggestions for dealing with…

Discusses the effects of age on second language acquisition, considering recent data and highlighting the misconceptions. Claims that proponents of the critical period hypothesis have misinterpreted research on speed of acquisition, misattributed age differences to neurobiological factors, and misemphasized poor language learners in research on…

Addresses three issues important to second language learner output: (1) negotiation of meaning; (2) learner production; (3) and repair work. Explains the theoretical background based on research findings, and suggests ways some of these findings may be applied to classroom situations. (Author/VWL)

Examines the complexities and differences involved in granting disciplinary status to the role of applied linguistics, discusses the role of the "Annual Review of Applied Linguistics" as a contributor to the development of applied linguistics, and highlights a set of publications for the future of applied linguistics. (Author/VWL)

Investigated possible links between classroom interaction and the learning of new vocabulary. Learners were asked to report the new words they could recall immediately after their lessons. Found both positive and negative links between mentioning new words, repeating new words, focusing on new words, turn-taking around new words, and recall and…

Argues from the premise that a language test is a special case of a second language acquisition (SLA) elicitation device and suggests that SLA and language testing share much common ground in terms of research methods, which have similar properties in that they are both used to make systematic observations of language performances from which…

Outlines different priorities of current policy and research in literacy education in Australian schools. Suggests that a number of generic and specific factors contribute to these differences: differences in perspective and responsibility of policymakers and researchers, different underlying theoretical assumptions, and changes in the current…

Reviews research on the effectiveness of recasts in first and second language acquisition, paying particular attention to how recasts have been defined and how their impact has been assessed in observational and experimental studies. Concludes that recasts appear to be most effective in contexts where it is clear to the learner that the recast is…