Perspectives on Language as Action

This edited volume has been compiled in honour of Professor Merrill Swain who, for over four decades, has been one of the most prominent scholars in the field of second language acquisition and second language education. The range of topics covered in the book reflects the breadth and depth of Swain’s contributions, expertise and interests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2019
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This edited volume pays tribute to Professor Merrill Swain, a renowned scholar in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) and second language (L2) education. For more than four decades, her groundbreaking work has significantly enriched the knowledge base of applied linguistics, exerting a profound impact on various subfields, including immersion education, mainstream SLA, and sociocultural theory and SLA. The book's extensive coverage reflects the breadth and depth of Swain's contributions, expertise, and interests. It is organized into four distinct parts: immersion education, languaging, sociocultural perspectives on L2 teaching and learning, and developments in language as social action.

Immersion education is a comprehensive approach to language learning that involves total immersion in a foreign language environment. It emphasizes the acquisition of language skills through practical communication and cultural immersion. The chapter explores the theoretical foundations, principles, and practices of immersion education, including its benefits, challenges, and strategies for effective implementation.

Languaging is a fundamental aspect of SLA that examines the cognitive, linguistic, and social processes involved in language acquisition and use. The chapter explores the nature of language, language learning, and language variation, as well as the role of language in social interaction and identity formation. It also discusses the development of language proficiency and the factors that influence language learning outcomes.

Sociocultural perspectives on L2 teaching and learning emphasize the importance of cultural factors in language learning and teaching. The chapter explores the cultural dimensions of language, including language and culture, language and power, and language and identity. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise from teaching and learning languages in diverse sociocultural contexts.

Developments in language as social action highlight the role of language in social change and social justice. The chapter explores the relationship between language and power, language and identity, and language and social movements. It also discusses the strategies and approaches that can be used to promote language diversity, language rights, and language justice.

In conclusion, this edited volume is a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and practitioners interested in second language acquisition and second language education. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, highlighting the contributions of Professor Merrill Swain and exploring the latest developments and perspectives in SLA and L2 education. The book will be of great interest to students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of applied linguistics, language teaching, and cultural studies.

Immersion education is a comprehensive approach to language learning that involves total immersion in a foreign language environment. It emphasizes the acquisition of language skills through practical communication and cultural immersion. The chapter explores the theoretical foundations, principles, and practices of immersion education, including its benefits, challenges, and strategies for effective implementation.

Languaging is a fundamental aspect of SLA that examines the cognitive, linguistic, and social processes involved in language acquisition and use. The chapter explores the nature of language, language learning, and language variation, as well as the role of language in social interaction and identity formation. It also discusses the development of language proficiency and the factors that influence language learning outcomes.

Sociocultural perspectives on L2 teaching and learning emphasize the importance of cultural factors in language learning and teaching. The chapter explores the cultural dimensions of language, including language and culture, language and power, and language and identity. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise from teaching and learning languages in diverse sociocultural contexts.

Developments in language as social action highlight the role of language in social change and social justice. The chapter explores the relationship between language and power, language and identity, and language and social movements. It also discusses the strategies and approaches that can be used to promote language diversity, language rights, and language justice.

In conclusion, this edited volume is a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and practitioners interested in second language acquisition and second language education. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, highlighting the contributions of Professor Merrill Swain and exploring the latest developments and perspectives in SLA and L2 education. The book will be of great interest to students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of applied linguistics, language teaching, and cultural studies.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788922920