Examines the concept of consciousness in second-language research. After defining theoretical assumptions and reviewing a number of controversies in the psycholinguistic and second-language literature, it is argued that the terms conscious and unconscious have acquired too much surplus meaning and should be abandoned in favor of clearly defined…

Reviews research on native language (NL) listening, and discusses the importance of listening in second-language (L2) acquisition, factors that influence success or failure of comprehension of first-language or L2 messages, the role of listening in the L2 curriculum, posited models of NL and L2 listening comprehension, and proposed taxonomies of…

Examines five cognitive models for second-language acquisition (SLA) and assesses how each might account for the Pidginized interlanguage found in the early stages of second-language acquisition. (23 references) (JL)

This brief article analyzes verbal protocols--oral records of thought provided by subjects when thinking aloud during or immediately after completing a task. (Author/VWL)

Documents 20 years of second-language acquisition research, highlighting two subthemes involving the alternate broadening and narrowing of research perspectives and predicting that the next phase of research will unite the historically distinct research foci on learning and the learner. (209 references) (CB)

Aims to provide an overview of some of the most salient social identity research by discussing various theoretical stances and methodologies and to critique the theories and methodologies employed in social identity research. It is concluded that language and social identity is an important issue, a holistic and dynamic understanding of which will…

Introduces a colloquium on the scope and form of a theory of second-language learning. The value of a general theory is argued for, and the relation of theory to practice is considered. (16 references) (JL)

A common problem in adult second-language learning, the disparity between child and adult second-language learning referred to as the Adult Language Learning Paradox, is examined within the Parallel Distributed Processing model framework. (24 references) (JL)

Surveys the literature regarding the use of behavioral objectives in education and in foreign language instruction and examines the roots of the behavioral objectives movement in behaviorist psychology and the scientific management movement of the 1920s. Discusses implications for foreign and second language learning and provides suggestions for…

Argues that it is time to begin integrating models of second-language (L2) research, to test and develop integrated models for L2 data, and to develop integrated explanatory theories to explain these data. (22 references) (JL)

Describes recent advances in writing analysis and their implications for English as a second language writing instruction. The principal theme emphasized is that text analysis of written products, which complements process-centered research, is needed for an integrated theory of writing. (Author/CB)

Unless a clear distinction is made between the semantic time reference of the modal "perfect" and that of the present perfect aspect, these forms will remain confusing to students of English as a second language. A brief sequence is suggested for teaching modals which incorporates and clarifies these time relationships and simplifies the…

Addresses the question of how the education system responds to the needs of immigrant students on arrival in England. Discusses the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) provision for ethnic and linguistic minorities in the mainstream education system. (Author/VWL)

Reviews research on appropriate methodologies to use in studying native or second language acquisition and points out that both quantitative and qualitative research methods are used in different ways of study in the field. (CB)

A review of research finds considerable evidence that second language instruction is beneficial (1) for children as well as adults; (2) for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students; (3) on integrative as well as discrete-point tests, and (4) in acquisition-rich as well as acquisition-poor environments. Implications for theory and instruction…