This book is the first in-depth examination of the application of theories of space to issues of second language learning. The author introduces the work of key thinkers on the theory of space and place and the relevance of their ideas to second language acquisition (SLA). He also outlines a new conceptual framework and set of terms for researching SLA that centre on the idea of 'language learning environments'. The book considers the spatial contexts in which language learning takes place and investigates how these spatial contexts are transformed into individualised language learning environments, as learners engage with a range of human and nonhuman, and physical and nonphysical, resources in their daily lives. Revisiting linguistics and language learning theory from a spatial perspective, the book demonstrates that the question of where people learn languages is equally as important as that of how they do so. This work is essential reading for any researcher wishing to research the role of the environment as an active player in SLA.

This book is intended to introduce novice student researchers to second language acquisition in the study abroad learning environment. It reviews the existing literature and provides the emerging researcher an overview of the important factors to consider, informs them where to begin, and how to move forth an agenda for future research in this field. The book recognizes that aside from the academic advantages, study abroad programmes are an excellent tool for fostering extended and relevant interaction with native speakers. It provides reflection questions and activities, and guides the novice researcher in critically analysing existing research and to eventually carry out their own study. The book will be of use to beginning researchers who are new to linguistics in the areas of study abroad and second language acquisition.

This book examines a wide range of innovations in language learning and teaching in Japan. Each of the chapters describes the impetus for a change or new development in a particular context, from early childhood to adult learning, details its implementation and provides an evaluation of its success. In doing so, they provide a comprehensive overview of best practice in innovating language education from teaching practice in formal classroom settings, to self-directed learning beyond the classroom, and offer recommendations to enhance language education in Japan and beyond. The book will be of interest to scholars of applied linguistics and language development, and in particular to those involved in managing change in language education that attempts to mediate between global trends and local needs.

Social networking is now one of the ways in which anyone can set out to learn or improve their language skills. This collection brings together different sets of learning experiences and shows that success depends on the wider environment of the learner, the kind of activity the learner engages in and the type of learning priorities he or she has.

Language development is driven by multiple factors involving both the individual child and the environments that surround the child. The chapters in this volume highlight several such factors as potential contributors to developmental change, including factors that examine the role of immediate social environment (i.e., parent SES, parent and sibling input, peer interaction) and factors that focus on the child’s own cognitive and social development, such as the acquisition of theory of mind, event knowledge, and memory. The discussion of the different factors is presented largely from a crosslinguistic framework, using a multimodal perspective (speech, gesture, sign). The book celebrates the scholarly contributions of Prof. Ayhan Aksu-Koç – a pioneer in the study of crosslinguistic variation in language acquisition, particularly in the domain of evidentiality and theory of mind. This book will serve as an important resource for researchers in the field of developmental psychology, cognitive science, and linguistics across the globe.

The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education has revolutionized learning. Shifting beyond traditional mode of education, the integration of ICTs has become an advantage for students at tertiary education when used for the right purpose to enhance learning. The use of technology brings forth a flexible and accessible mode of education and bridges the gap of learning across borders. This enables students at tertiary level to have access to other universities and academic resource materials globally, thereby expanding their knowledge. Thus, it is crucial to consider the development of technology in education as part of a comprehensive pedagogical framework and take into account new developments in ICTs. ICT-Based Assessment, Methods, and Programs in Tertiary Education is an essential research publication that provides relevant theoretical frameworks and recent empirical research findings on integrating ICTs in tertiary education to enhance learning and allow students to take more control of their learning. Highlighting topics such as assessment, language learning, and e-learning, this book is ideal for teachers, professionals, academicians, researchers, administrators, curriculum designers, instructional designers, and students.

When the first edition of CALL Environments was published in 1999 (Alexandria, VA: TESOL), it filled a distinct need for a computer assisted language learning (CALL) text focused specifically on second language acquisition (SLA). Much has happened in the world of technology since then, but the need to maintain this connectionbetween research on both CALL and SLA still exists. This second edition continues to meet that need by highlighting new tools, discussing new research, and proposing new practical applications. And many of the chapters, which discuss topics such as visual literacy, critical thinking, and creativity, address content from the revised National Education Technology Standards for Students. As Egbert and Hanson-Smith point out, although technology presents a whole new language, the language of technology is not the most crucial information that educators need in order to use computers and the Internet effectively in their language classrooms. More important is an understanding of good pedagogy and the relationships among teaching, learning, and technological environments. This volume builds on the structure of the first edition, based on the eight conditions for optimal learning environments, by adding suggestions for projects and questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, as well as an index of terms used throughout the book.