The collection of essays on sociocultural factors in the second language classroom includes: "Autonomy and Ideology in the English Language Classroom" (Hywel Coleman); "Safe-Talk: Collusion in Apartheid Education" (J. Keith Chick); "English Language Education in Japan" (Virginia LoCastro); "Shadow Puppets and Language Lessons: Interpreting Classroom Behaviour in its Cultural Context" (Hywel Coleman); "Large- and Small-Class Cultures in Egyptian University Classrooms: A Cultural Justification for Curriculum Change" (Adrian Holliday); "Learner Resistance to Innovation in Classroom Methodology" (Fauzia Shamim); "The Effect of Institutional and National Cultures on Examinations: The University in Kenya" (Mary Muchiri); "Through Language to Learning: Preparing Overseas Students for Study in Western Universities" (Brigid Ballard); "Cultures of Learning: Language Classrooms in China" (Martin Cortazzi, Lixian Jin); and "Social and Pedagogic Pressures in the Language Classroom: The Role of Socialisation" (Dick Allwright). A glossary and author and subject indexes are included. (MSE)