Abstract

This book contributes to the growth of interest in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), an approach to second/foreign language learning that requires the use of the target language to learn content. Within the framework of European strategies to promote multilingualism, CLIL has begun to be used extensively in a variety of language learning contexts, and at different educational systems and language programmes. This book brings together critical analyses on theoretical and implementation issues of Content and Language Integrated Learning, and empirical studies on the effectiveness of this type of instruction on learners’ language competence. The basic theoretical assumption behind this book is that through successful use of the language to learn content, learners will develop their language proficiency more effectively while they learn the academic content specified in the curricula.

Content and Language Integrated Learning: Evidence from Research in Europe is a key step in establishing an evidence-base for CLIL. In this book, the authors examine the processes and outcomes of CLIL practice. They reflect on shared current concerns in the language teaching sphere about the potential of CLIL in supporting, or otherwise challenging, language learning practice. Although there is ‘no CLIL blueprint ready for export’, the contexts described here, and the findings of research and enquiry, are relevant to those working in other settings where language and authentic content are combined in the curriculum.

This book is a very timely contribution to our understanding of CLIL. It offers valuable insights about theoretical and implementation issues and a much needed research-based account of the effects of Content and Language Integrated Learning. The volume is also a very welcome addition to studies on the acquisition of second language phonetics, lexicon, grammar and discourse in foreign language contexts.

De Zarobe and Catalan have edited the work of 18 contributors into an anthology of critical research studies of L2 acquisition in CLIL and non-CLIL settings that provide data to support some aspects of CLIL, challenge others, and suggest ideas for future studies.

This volume promises to become a landmark in the evolution of CLIL in Europe. The authors provide a wealth of research evidence on all aspects of language learning in CLIL programs. Their findings will reassure CLIL educators about the benefits of CLIL and at the same time provoke valuable discussion about the next steps to be taken in developing even more effective forms of CLIL. Research does not have all the answers, but it can certainly stimulate reflection and discussion as stakeholders seek answers to challenging issues in CLIL and this book will definitely catalyze valuable discussions.

Yolanda Ruiz de Zarobe received her PhD in Linguistics from the University of the Basque Country (Spain). She is Associate Professor of Language and Linguistics at the University of the Basque Country, Spain. Her research interests are second and third language acquisition. Her recent publications have focused on the acquisition of morphosyntactic aspects of English as a third language, multilingualism, and issues related to Content and Language Integrated Learning.

Rosa María Jiménez Catalán is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of La Rioja. She has a PH.D in English Philology Studies and is the author of articles and books on English second language learning and teaching. Her current research interests include vocabulary acquisition and teaching and the analysis of the effect of gender and type of instruction on vocabulary development in English as a foreign language.