Dialogue with Bakhtin on Second and Foreign Language Learning : New Perspectives

This volume is the first to explore links between the Russian linguist Mikhail Bakhtin's theoretical insights about language and practical concerns with second and foreign language learning and teaching. Situated within a strong conceptual framework and drawing from a rich empirical base, it reflects recent scholarship in applied linguistics that has begun to move away from formalist views of language as universal, autonomous linguistic systems, and toward an understanding of language as dynamic collections of cultural resources. According to Bakhtin, the study of language is concerned with thedialogueexisting between linguistic elements and the uses to which they are put in response to the conditions of the moment. Such a view of language has significant implications for current understandings of second- and foreign-language learning. The contributors draw on some of Bakhtin's more significant concepts, such as dialogue, utterance, heteroglossia, voice, and addressivity to examine real world contexts of language learning. The chapters address a range of contexts including elementary- and university-level English as a second language and foreign language classrooms and adult learning situations outside the formal classroom. The text is arranged in two parts. Part I, "Contexts of Language Learning and Teaching," contains seven chapters that report on investigations into specific contexts of language learning and teaching. The chapters in Part II, "Implications for Theory and Practice," present broader discussions on second and foreign language learning using Bakhtin's ideas as a springboard for thinking. This is a groundbreaking volume for scholars in applied linguistics, language education, and language studies with an interest in second and foreign language learning; for teacher educators; and for teachers of languages from elementary to university levels. It is highly relevant as a text for graduate-level courses in applied linguistics and second- and foreign-language education.

Riikka Alanen is a senior researcher working at the Centre for Applied Language Studies Karen Braxley For the last 6 years she has taught English as a second language in the university's intensive English program Ruth Devlin is an artist and writer who teaches primary English Language Learners (ELLs) at Paradise Professional Development School in Las Vegas, NV, and is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hannele Dufva works as a senior research at the Centre for Applied Language Studies, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland Joan Kelly Hall is Professor of Applied Linguistics and Education at Pennsylvania State University John Haught is a visiting professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Chris Iddings is Assistant Professor of Language and Literacy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Alex Kostogriz is on the Faculty of Education at Monash University in Australia Angel M. Y. Lin is currently as associate professor in the Department of English and Communication, City University of Hong Kong Jasmine C. M. Luk is a lecturer in English as the Hong Kong Institute of Education Ludmila Marchenkova is completing her doctorate at the Ohio State University, where she also teaches ESL composition courses Jeffery Lee Orr is a PhD student at the University of Georgia in Language Education, concentrating in TESOL Elizabeth Platt is Associate Professor in Multilingual/Multicultural Education at Florida State University Gergana Vitanova is Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida Lindsay Amthor Yotsukura is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Japanese Language Program at the University of Maryland, College Park