A discussion of ethnographic research methods in language learning research focuses on what is involved in good descriptive and analytic ethnographic research and the value of the approach in the study of English as a second language (ESL). A basic definition of ethnography is offered, some key research principles are identified, and the principles are illustrated in two research projects. The studies are (1) an analysis of the factors that produce, constrain, shape, and explain discourse patterns in the ESL classroom, using a university-level ESL classroom in Boston; and (2) an investigation of children's language learning and socialization practices in the Solomon Islands. (MSE)