Researchers and educators routinely call for longitudinal research on language learning and teaching. The present volume explores the connection between longitudinal study and advanced language capacities, two under-researched areas, and proposes an agenda for future research. Five chapters probe theoretical and methodological reflections about the longitudinal study of advanced L2 capacities, followed by eight chapters that report on empirical longitudinal investigations spanning descriptive, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and quantitative longitudinal methodologies. In addition, the co-editors offer a detailed introduction to the volume and a coda chapter in which they explore what it would take to design systematic research programs for the longitudinal investigation of advanced L2 capacities. The scholars in this volume collectively make the argument that second language acquisition research will be the richer, theoretically and empirically, if a trajectory toward advancedness is part of its conceptualization right from the beginning and, in reverse, that advancedness is a particularly interesting acquisitional level at which to probe contemporary theories associated with the longitudinal study of language development. Acknowledging that advancedness is increasingly important in our multicultural societies and globalized world, the central question explored in the present collection is: How does learning over time evolve toward advanced capacities in a second language?

Advanced language learning has only recently begun to capture the interest and attention of applied linguists and professionals in language education in the United States. In this breakthrough volume, experts in the field lay the groundwork for approaching the increasingly important role of advanced language learning in the larger context of multilingual societies, globalization, and security. This volume presents both general and theoretical insights and language-specific considerations in college classrooms spanning a range of languages, from the commonly taught languages of English, French, and German to the less commonly taught Farsi, Korean, Norwegian, and Russian. Among theoretical frameworks likely to be conducive to imagining and fostering instructed "advancedness" in a second language, this volume highlights a cognitive-semantic approach. The theoretical and data-based findings make clear that advanced learners in particular are characterized by the capacity to make situated choices from across the entire language system, from vocabulary and grammar to discourse features, which suggests the need for a text-oriented, meaning-driven approach to language teaching, learning, and research. This volume also considers whether and how information structuring in second-language composition reveals first-language preferences of grammaticized concepts. Other topics include curricular and instructional approaches to narrativity, vocabulary expansion, the demands on instructed programs for efficiency and effectiveness in order to assure advanced levels, and learners' ability to function in professional contexts with their diverse oral and written genre requirements. Finally, the volume probes the role and nature of assessment as a measurement tool for both researching and assessing advanced language learning and as an essential component of improving programs.

Researchers and educators routinely call for longitudinal research on language learning and teaching. The present volume explores the connection between longitudinal study and advanced language capacities, two under-researched areas, and proposes an agenda for future research. Five chapters probe theoretical and methodological reflections about the longitudinal study of advanced L2 capacities, followed by eight chapters that report on empirical longitudinal investigations spanning descriptive, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and quantitative longitudinal methodologies. In addition, the co-editors offer a detailed introduction to the volume and a coda chapter in which they explore what it would take to design systematic research programs for the longitudinal investigation of advanced L2 capacities. The scholars in this volume collectively make the argument that second language acquisition research will be the richer, theoretically and empirically, if a trajectory toward advancedness is part of its conceptualization right from the beginning and, in reverse, that advancedness is a particularly interesting acquisitional level at which to probe contemporary theories associated with the longitudinal study of language development. Acknowledging that advancedness is increasingly important in our multicultural societies and globalized world, the central question explored in the present collection is: How does learning over time evolve toward advanced capacities in a second language?

'The editor and authors in this volume make a convincing case for focusing on advanced foreign language instruction. Importantly, they invite consideration of this focus as an opportunity to re-examine conventional definitions of the target of instruction. In so doing, readers also learn more about the theories highlighted in this volume, and their capacity to enhance our understanding of advancedness and its development within an educational context. This book thus mediates between linguistic and language learning theories and educational practice, modelling the very best of what applied linguistics has to offer.' Diane Larsen-Freeman, Professor of Education, University of Michigan. The reality of multicultural societies and globalization has increased the demand for language abilities that far exceed those that have typically been associated with communicative competence in a second language. This book examines the acquisition of advanced levels of ability in three parts: theoretical; descriptive; and instructional. It moves beyond the traditional constraints of second language acquisition research by linking systemic functional linguistics and sociocultural theory.The contributors draw primarily on the work of Halliday, Vygotsky and Bakhtin, as well as empirical data from the language classroom, to suggest practical applications towards advanced literacy and linguistic competence. Advanced Language Learning will be of interest to academics researching systemic functional linguistics, second language acquisition and applied linguistics.

This title examines the need for advanced levels of language learning from socio-cultural and linguistic perspectives.'The editor and authors in this volume make a convincing case for focusing on advanced foreign language instruction. Importantly, they invite consideration of this focus as an opportunity to re-examine conventional definitions of the target of instruction. In so doing, readers also learn more about the theories highlighted in this volume, and their capacity to enhance our understanding of advancedness and its development within an educational context. This book thus mediates between linguistic and language learning theories and educational practice, modelling the very best of what applied linguistics has to offer' - Diane Larsen-Freeman, Professor of Education, University of Michigan.The reality of multicultural societies and globalization has increased the demand for language abilities that far exceed those that have typically been associated with communicative competence in a second language. This book examines the acquisition of advanced levels of ability in three parts: theoretical; descriptive; and instructional. It moves beyond the traditional constraints of second language acquisition research by linking systemic functional linguistics and sociocultural theory. The contributors draw primarily on the work of Halliday, Vygotsky and Bakhtin, as well as empirical data from the language classroom, to suggest practical applications towards advanced literacy and linguistic competence."Advanced Language Learning" will be of interest to academics researching systemic functional linguistics, second language acquisition and applied linguistics.

This inaugural volume in the MLA series Teaching Languages, Literatures, and Cultures provides an overview of second language acquisition research. Is language a system of linguistic forms to be acquired by the study of grammar, or is language a means of communication, where students learn not by studying rules but by engaging straightaway in the use of language to convey meanings? Which approach is better in the classroom? The vibrant field of second language acquisition research is now carefully examining questions like these.

Written for a nonspecialized audience--for readers who share an interest in foreign language teaching and learning--Learning Foreign and Second Languages addresses both theory and methodology. Administrators, department chairs, curriculum and materials developers, teachers, and graduate students will find this collection of essays enlightening.