Introduction

Against the backdrop of the critical importance of recognising the specificity of learning languages other than English (LOTEs) in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research, this volume focuses on a state-of-the-art presentation of the research approaches and methods that characterise French as second language (L2) within contemporary SLA research.

Research Approaches and Methodologies

The presentation problematises those approaches and methods as a critique of what has been done, identifying a methodological roadmap of what needs to be done in order to advance the methodological agenda in L2 French and its contribution to wider SLA research.

Bridging Methodology and Linguistic Characterisation

The discussion further aims to bridge the interface between methodological issues and the research investigation of a specific LOTE, French, such as in terms of its linguistic characterisation and developmental issues underpinning its acquisition.

Cross-Paradigm Approaches

The analysis extends to approaches and methods across different theoretical paradigms in L2 French, in different areas of linguistic development, among learners in different learning contexts.