This reflective piece seeks to shed light on the numerous contributions of Diane Larsen-Freeman to theory construction, applied linguistics, and language education by drawing parallels and insights from the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup Final. Looking at the multitude of factors that affect both soccer games and language development research,…

Second language (L2) writing researchers have enthusiastically adopted task complexity frameworks in their examination of the effects of complex task features on L2 written performance. However, such research often overlooks the effect(s) of such features on general L2 development as well as L2 writing development. Drawing from Manch?n and…

This article provides a theoretical and empirical argument in support of explicit language instruction. It proposes on theoretical grounds that certain features of a language are sufficiently complex and subtle that learners are unlikely to be able to decipher their full conceptual meaning on the basis of exposure alone. It further proposes that…

This paper explores the transformative potential of integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly ChatGPT, into second language (L2) writing pedagogy. The paper begins by examining the evolution of L2 writing pedagogy and highlighting the strengths and limitations of each. It then discusses the integration of…

Digital games are increasingly used in education to boost engagement and reduce stress. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has improved the learning experience. However, further investigation is needed to determine the specific impact of commercially available, off-the-shelf (COTS) video games on English language skills. This study provides a…

Translanguaging pedagogy has been shown to promote second language (L2) writing development (Garcia, 2014; García & Kano, 2014; Turnbull, 2019; Zhang, 2019). This study examines how exposure to translanguaging pedagogy influenced Kurdish EFL learners' engagement in collaborative writing during a seven-week intensive academic English writing…

In recent years, researchers from a Vygotskian Sociocultural Theory (V-SCT) perspective have sought to promote and trace the development of both emotion and cognition. Contributing to this emergent body of research, our study leveraged Concept-Based Language Instruction (C-BLI) and a Division-of-Labor Pedagogy (DOLP) to investigate the second…

In current research into second language (L2) speaking, aspects of fluency are measured as static constructs. Averaged over a complete speaking performance, for instance, syllables per minute is calculated. Similarly, the number of pauses is calculated per minute, averaged over a complete speaking task. This paper argues, however, that we need to…

Most students and practitioners commonly see grammar teaching and learning as both tedious and unattractive experiences. In this sense, more innovative ways of presenting foreign language grammar are needed. One such novel approach is Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT), which has proven to be beneficial in a wide array of disciplines, including language…

Despite undeniable advances in research on language learning strategies in the last several decades, empirical investigations of actions and thoughts that learners engage in to better understand and use grammar structures in different contexts, or grammar learning strategies (GLS), remain scarce. Moreover, there is a paucity of studies examining…

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of discourse markers instruction through the flipped model on Iraqi EFL learners' writing performance. To achieve this end, 90 advanced EFL learners were selected and assigned into three groups; two as the experimental and one as the control group. The homogeneity of the participants was…

This study aims to analyze the responses of Indonesian researchers to the integration of Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) into language teaching. The data for the articles were collected using the SPAR-SLR technique and thematic analysis. A total of 1701 articles were analyzed, sourced from 42 language teaching journals classified under SINTA…

Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) has significantly reshaped our understanding of second language learning and teaching across the micro, meso, and macro levels for several decades since its systematic introduction by Larsen-Freeman and Cameron (2008). This study conducts a comprehensive review of empirical research on second language learning…

High-Variability Phonetic Training (HVPT) has demonstrated effectiveness in second language (L2) acquisition. This study utilizes a meta-analysis to explore the influence of high variability on learning L2 pronunciation and identifies the factors that moderate this impact. The studies were collected using a keyword search in the SCOPUS database.…

The present systematic review examines Glenn Fulcher's contributions, works, philosophy, and research in language testing and assessment. The data includes his published articles, book chapters, books and interviews (except the one in this special issue) relevant to language testing and assessment from 1987 to March 2022. This study is conducted…