This paper brings the concept of "acting in concert" to the aid of those wanting to understand the nature of verbal communication. Verbal communication is introduced as a form of concerted activity which has a management function vis-a-vis other concerted (and cooperative) activity. In the body of the paper, verbal communication is likened to…

Discusses how current applied and sociolinguistic research and theory, which reveals the naturalness of language variation and productive aspects of error-making, seriously challenges traditional second language learning practices and postulates. (EKN)

Asserts that the attainment of bilingualism is not the only valid objective for second language learning, and suggests that factors such as student attitude, needs and aptitude may be more important for learning success than the teacher's skill or the methods he employs. (FB)

It is argued that the concept of genre-based language teaching is both useful in the first language and also in the second- and foreign language classroom. The theoretical basis for the concept of genre is also outlined. (60 references) (GLR)