Abstract

This edited volume has been compiled in honour of Professor Merrill Swain, one of the most prominent scholars in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) and second language (L2) education. For over four decades, her work has contributed substantially to the knowledge base of the field of applied linguistics, and her ideas have had a significant influence in a range of subfields, including immersion education, mainstream SLA, and sociocultural theory and SLA. The range of topics covered in the book reflects the breadth and depth of Swain’s contributions, expertise and interests. The volume is divided into four parts: immersion education, languaging, sociocultural perspectives on L2 teaching and learning, and developments in language as social action.

This volume is a fitting tribute to Swain’s distinguished career and lasting impact on the field. Her colleagues, disciples, and followers expand and apply several of the influential concepts that she brought to the fore of the field (pushed output, collaborative dialogue, languaging, etc.) in ways that advance theory and affect language learning practice.

It is impossible to overstate the role Merrill Swain has played in shaping the fields of applied linguistics and second language education. Through this unique collection of original papers authored by leading L2 scholars from around the world, Haneda and Nassaji have created a testament to Merrill’s numerous contributions – including her foundational work on communicative competence, the output hypothesis, and languaging – that are certain to continue to inspire researchers and practitioners for years to come.

This volume is an impressive collection of chapters demonstrating the lifetime achievements of Merrill Swain in applied linguistics and second language education. As Jim Lantolf states in the foreword, Merrill ‘…has without question left an indelible mark on applied linguistics.’ This volume is clearly testimony to Merrill’s far-reaching influence on so many areas of language education.

Mari Haneda is an Associate Professor of World Languages Education and Applied Linguistics in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the Pennsylvania State University, USA. Her research interests include the education of school-age EAL students, ESL teachers’ work and L2 language and literacy development.

Hossein Nassaji is a Professor of Applied Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Victoria, Canada. His research interests include SLA, corrective feedback, form-focused instruction, task-based teaching and classroom discourse.