The centrality of the notion of social identity to current work on language learning reflects a renewed theoretical and political concern for the social dimension of language learning. Discusses the ways in which current work in this area involves conflicting points of view or misses the opportunity to connect with other relevant work. (JL)

Offers comments on an earlier article on age and second language learning, and questions the authors' of that article's interpretation of the research they reviewed. The authors of the original article respond to these comments and questions. (Author/VWL)

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…

Discusses a serious problem that has existed for years in language research with regard to the use of the inferential statistic known as the t test. (12 references) (JL)

Argues that language teaching would benefit by paying attention to the second language (L2) rather than concentrating primarily on the native speakers. Suggests ways that language teaching can apply an L2-user model and exploit the students' first language. (Author/VWL)

Item-writing considerations in creating instruments using Likert-type scales, according to Michael Busch, include semantics of labeling response choices and number of response categories. Jean Turner discusses problems regarding the use of Likert-scale questionnaires for L2 research, for instance the cultural background of language learners being…

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)

Sample accepted findings on learners, environments, and interlanguages are proposed along with some implications for second-language acquisition theories. (79 references) (JL)

Reviews the role of statistical hypothesis testing in research, discusses the problems with multiple t tests, indicates when they are a problem, and suggests a compromise solution. (one reference) (JL)

Using a survey of 7-years' work in four primary journals, this article reports trends in research methodologies. Despite theoretical discussion suggesting the need for multiple approaches to empirical inquiry, findings indicate that the overwhelming majority of research remains within quantitative paradigms. (Author/VWL)

Examines the language processing and acquisition abilities of the right hemisphere. Discusses functions performed by the right hemisphere that could play an important role in second language acquisition. (EKN)

Cautions against direct application of neurolinguistic research to second language learning and teaching and discusses why brain research will not provide a quick answer to teaching problems. (EKN)

Reports on research carried out in the Netherlands using visual feedback showing that training in perception of intonation resulted in statistically significant improvement in production of English intonation patterns. (Author/BK)

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…