Constructionist approaches to language hypothesize that grammar can be learned from the input using domain-general mechanisms. This emphasis has engendered a great deal of research--exemplified in the present issue--that seeks to illuminate the ways in which input-related factors can both drive and constrain constructional acquisition. In this…

Three recent articles by Dornyei, Crookes and Schmidt, and Oxford and Sherin on the role of motivation in the learning of a second or foreign language are discussed. Similarities among them that support Gardner's theoretical model are described. (45 references) (LB)

Research described oral texts produced by second- and third- generation bilingual Chicano Spanish speakers when required to carry out a set of functions in only one of their available codes. Analysis focuses on characteristics of planned, noninteractive spoken language produced in Spanish by university students in a classroom setting, compared…