STUDIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Scope & Guideline

Empowering researchers to shape the future of language learning.

Introduction

Welcome to the STUDIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of STUDIES IN SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0272-2631
PublisherCAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1978 to 2024
AbbreviationSTUD SECOND LANG ACQ / Stud. Second Lang. Acquis.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressEDINBURGH BLDG, SHAFTESBURY RD, CB2 8RU CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Studies in Second Language Acquisition' focuses on the multifaceted aspects of second language acquisition, emphasizing both theoretical and empirical research contributions. It aims to advance understanding of the processes involved in acquiring a second language through various methodologies.
  1. Second Language Learning Processes:
    Research on cognitive, social, and emotional factors influencing how individuals learn a second language, including the role of working memory, motivation, and anxiety.
  2. Language Production and Comprehension:
    Studies exploring the mechanisms of language production and comprehension in second language contexts, including fluency, accuracy, and complexity in both spoken and written forms.
  3. Cross-Linguistic Influence and Transfer:
    Investigation into how first language influences the learning and use of a second language, including issues of transfer, interference, and the role of bilingualism.
  4. Task-Based Language Learning and Teaching:
    Research focusing on task-based approaches to language learning, examining how different types of tasks affect language outcomes and learner engagement.
  5. Assessment and Measurement in SLA:
    Development and validation of assessments for measuring second language proficiency, including various methodologies for evaluating linguistic performance.
  6. Emerging Technologies in Language Learning:
    Exploration of how technology, including mobile applications and AI (like ChatGPT), impacts second language acquisition and learner experiences.
  7. Cultural and Sociolinguistic Factors:
    Understanding the impact of sociocultural contexts on second language learning, including issues of identity, community, and language use in diverse settings.
Recent publications in 'Studies in Second Language Acquisition' reflect emerging themes that highlight the evolving nature of language learning research. These trends indicate new areas of interest and methodological advancements that are shaping the field.
  1. Individual Differences in Language Learning:
    A growing body of research focuses on individual differences such as personality traits, learning styles, and cognitive abilities, emphasizing how these factors contribute to language acquisition success.
  2. Neuroscientific Approaches to SLA:
    Emerging studies employing neuroimaging and other neuroscientific methods to understand the brain mechanisms involved in language learning, providing insights into cognitive processes during acquisition.
  3. Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL):
    Increasing interest in how mobile technologies facilitate language learning, particularly among non-traditional learners, reflecting broader trends in digital education.
  4. Longitudinal Studies of Language Development:
    A trend towards longitudinal research designs that track language development over time, allowing for a deeper understanding of the processes and trajectories of second language acquisition.
  5. Task Complexity and Cognitive Load:
    Research examining the effects of task complexity and cognitive load on language learning outcomes, informing pedagogical practices and task design in language education.
  6. Social and Emotional Factors in SLA:
    An emerging focus on the social and emotional dimensions of language learning, including the impact of anxiety, motivation, and learner identity on acquisition outcomes.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes continue to thrive, others appear to be waning in prominence within the journal. These declining areas reflect shifts in research focus and may indicate a changing landscape in second language acquisition studies.
  1. Traditional Grammar Instruction:
    Research focusing solely on traditional grammar instruction methods is less prevalent, as the field shifts towards more communicative and contextualized approaches to language learning.
  2. Static Models of Language Learning:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies that propose static models of language learning, with a growing emphasis on dynamic and complex systems perspectives.
  3. Age-Related Studies in Isolation:
    Research examining age-related factors in a vacuum is becoming less common, as newer studies increasingly consider the interplay of multiple factors, such as motivation and cognitive abilities.
  4. Focus on Vocabulary Acquisition Alone:
    While vocabulary remains important, there is a reduced emphasis on isolated vocabulary acquisition studies, with more research integrating vocabulary into broader language use and interaction contexts.
  5. Overemphasis on Quantitative Research:
    The journal is moving away from an overreliance on quantitative methods alone, integrating more qualitative and mixed-method approaches to provide richer insights into language acquisition.

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