Practice in a Second Language: Perspectives from Applied Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology

Abstract

Practice in a Second Language: Perspectives from Applied Linguistics and Cognitive Psychology, edited by Robert DeKeyser, discusses the role of second language (L2) practice across two related research fields: applied linguistics and cognitive psychology. The notion of practice is controversial and raises debate, as DeKeyser acknowledges in the very first page of the introduction to this volume. The controversy stems from the fact that practice is wrongly equated with mechanical drills, these having been rejected by mainstream language teaching methodologies over the past 30 years. In order to minimize potential controversies, DeKeyser presents a focused definition of practice as “specific activities in the second language, engaged in systematically, deliberately, with the goal of developing knowledge of and skills in the second language” (p. 1). The book is intended to be a helpful resource for L2 practitioners and researchers interested in understanding the role of practice in L2 acquisition.