This paper presents an argument for how second language acquisition (SLA) research should be carried out if a researcher is genuinely interested in learner grammar (i.e., knowledge of language), its acquisition and use. SLA research has expanded greatly over many years and currently spans many subfields, but researchers share one main goal: to…

This volume collects empirical studies applying Conversation Analysis to situations where second, third and other additional languages are used. A number of different aspects are considered, including how linguistic systems develop over time through social interaction, how participants 'do' language learning and teaching in classroom and everyday…

Describes ERIC resources that present research on children's language usage and development and that suggest activities for the promotion of language development. (ET)

The variety of language produced in school was examined with regard to the functions for which children use language and to elements of the context, emphasizing activities in which children engage and the expectations held by teachers and children. Language data was gathered from twelve children who wore a concealed, wireless recorder and were…

To provide classroom teachers with an understanding of some of the properties of language and of their effects on classroom interaction, this booklet reviews research in the area and offers teaching suggestions based upon that research. The first section of the booklet presents an overview of the American idea of language "correctness" and its…

A study of two public school kindergarten classes in New York City, heterogeneously grouped according to ethnic origin and social background, revealed that the maturity and fluency of the children's language varied according to the type of classroom activity in which they were engaged. From observational recordings of teacher-class interaction, it…

Under a contract with the Ministry of Education the working party prepared a general system for describing language teaching objectives to be used in higher education. The system is based on the specification of language use situations. By means of it the course objectives may be described in the form of communicative tasks, which the students are…

Based on the premise that comprehension must be the true and final goal of all instruction in reading, this book is designed to provoke teachers' reflections about their own ideas, reading, language, and experiences as teachers of reading comprehension and to help them base their teaching decisions on a knowledge of theory and research about how…