This article crafts a distinct conceptualization of time in social sciences through two temporal concepts: Chronos and Kairos. Chronos refers to sequential, linear time, which frames quantitative causality and qualitative documentation in research methodology. Kairos, however, captures time as transformative, conceptual, and emotional moments,…

Self-determination theory is one of the most established motivational theories both within second language learning and beyond. This theory has generated several mini-theories, namely: organismic integration theory, cognitive evaluation theory, basic psychological needs theory, goal contents theory, causality orientations theory, and relationships…

Learner diversity has been identified as a barrier to language learning and teaching. The purpose of this article was to conduct an analysis of the implementation of Multiple Intelligences (MI) theory in the field of English language teaching. MI theory, as introduced by Howard Gardner (1983), offers a new concept of intelligence, one that has led…

In response to the evolving landscape of language education, the "Dynamic Language Learning Framework" is conceived as a progressive pedagogical approach informed by key principles from notable works in the field. Inspired by the communicative language teaching philosophy proposed by Hymes (1971) and expanded upon by Canale and Swain…

"Variability" and "fractality," two key concepts in Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST)--the former concerning changes and variations, and the latter concerning recursiveness and self-similarities--may seem contradictory at first glance. This forum piece attempts to elucidate how the two seemingly contradictory properties can…

The Topic Hypothesis posits that Chinese language learners progress through a developmental sequence comprising five stages (Gao, 2009; Wang, 2011), which includes the Object-Subject-Verb (OSV) structure at stage 4 and the ba-construct at stage 5. According to this hypothesis, learners typically master the OSV structure before acquiring the…

Abstract Accepted 12 November 2024 In this essay I reflect on James P. Lantolf's contributions to cultural-historical theory and second language learning. I begin with my personal subjectivity and experiences as a limited learner of additional languages beyond English. This anecdotal opening introduces the tension between formal learning in school…

Holistic assessment is an evaluative approach in which assessors work backwards from an overall appraisal of work to determine the criteria relevant to individual student responses. One of the strongest proponents of this approach in higher education is Royce Sadler, whose theoretical contributions over recent decades provide a strong conceptual…

This paper explores the role of language testing in English education, focusing on its theoretical foundations, methodologies and practical applications. It analyzes how language tests fulfill various purposes, such as placement, progress monitoring, achievement evaluation and diagnostic feedback, underlining the importance of a critical…

Language is crucial for adapting to society, and learning different languages enhances human efficiency. Learning a second language involves acquiring any language in addition to one's native language. Second Language Acquisition (SLA) has two meanings, generally, it describes the process of learning a second language, and more specifically, it…

A number of academic disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, are deeply interested in language acquisition. The process of acquiring a language is complicated and includes learning vocabulary, linguistic structures, and communication techniques. The most crucial factor in developing diverse cooperative networks for the…

Though dynamic assessment (DA) has gained strong theoretical and empirical support over the last decades, second language (L2) practitioners have blamed it for its applicability in large classes. To ameliorate this limitation, peer-dynamic assessment (peer-DA), rooted in the conceptualization of zone of proximal development (ZPD), can be…

Critical pedagogy surrounding Spanish as a heritage language (SHL) has focused on the student's attitudes regarding their language and culture, specifically as it relates to Spanish and Latinxs in the United States. These heritage language (HL) learners, who were exposed to Spanish in the home, enroll in Spanish classes to further a sense of…

A process of abstraction initiates the development of a theory of applied linguistics, beginning with the distinction between technical norm and technical fact. Each applied linguistic intervention has a normative dimension and a factual interface with its users. The second step is to abstract the qualifying technical modality of these artefacts,…

The English language is the most widely-spoken language in the world. This fact deserves serious consideration for educators at all levels of the education system, but more so for those who are tasked with the teaching of English to learners whose Mother Tongue is not English. Globalisation, the internationalisation of education and migratory…