Peer Interaction and Second Language Learning

“This edited book by Sato and Ballinger makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of interaction between second language learners during second language learning. The research reported in the chapters is cutting-edge. The collection includes studies of young, adolescent and adult learners of varying proficiency levels and language backgrounds, in a variety of instructional settings, engaging in diverse tasks. Overall, this book points to the critical need to take into account emotional, social and cognitive dimensions in order to explain second language learning resulting from learner interaction. I recommend this book highly for both researchers and practitioners.”

“This book is one of the first, if not the first, volumes dedicated to peer interaction (i.e., interaction between language learners), a specific and distinctive field within the broader field of interaction research. It succeeds rather well in achieving its aim to provide an up-to-date overview. Thoughts are given to organising the chapters into the three sections, each of which addresses a prong in this research. The methodology adopted by the papers, often being the mixed-method approach, is exemplary: quantitative data are capable of providing a global picture of trends and microanalysis

offers the details of happenings during the interactions. The volume is written in clear and succinct language, and is easy to follow for readers with varying levels of experience and knowledge in the field. It certainly deserves strong recommendations, especially to students of Applied Linguistics and Second Language Studies, as well as language teaching professionals interested in peer interaction research, all of whom should find it insightful, informative and useful.”