High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
High-Level Language Proficiency in Second Language and Multilingual Contexts
Inge Bartning, Stockholms Universitet
Lars Fant, Stockholms Universitet
The issue of high-level language proficiency in other than monolingual contexts can be approached from a variety of perspectives, including linguistic/structural; psycholinguistic/cognitive and sociolinguistic/societal. Bringing together a team of experts, this volume takes a novel empirical approach to the subject combined with an up-to-date understanding of these research areas, to answer two important research questions in the field of second language acquisition: what conditions allow learners to attain an outstanding level of proficiency in a second language, and what factors still prevent them from becoming entirely like first language speakers. Looking at a range of European languages including English, French, Italian, Spanish and Swedish, it provides important insights into second language use at the highest levels as well as in high-proficient mixed language use in multicultural settings. A useful tool for both language teaching and language teacher training, it provides a solid grounding for further study in this important area of research.
- Presents findings of previously under-researched areas, filling important knowledge gaps
- Increases the understanding of what an 'outstanding proficiency level' in a second language and multilingual competence implies
- A useful tool for both language teaching and language teacher training
Reviews & endorsements
'... while the text cannot possibly provide definitive answers to its broad questions (and never claims to), it does leave the reader with a much deeper understanding of these issues and the questions that remain to be explored.' Jean Danic, LINGUIST List
Product details
September 2020Paperback
9781316627983
243 pages
229 × 151 × 13 mm
0.37kg
26 b/w illus. 30 tables
Not yet published - available from
Table of Contents
- Introduction: high-level proficiency and the concept of nativelikeness in second language and multilingual research practice Kenneth Hyltenstam, Inge Bartning and Lars Fant
- 1. Age effects on language acquisition, retention and loss – key hypotheses and findings Niclas Abrahamsson, Emanuel Bylund and Kenneth Hyltenstam
- 2. The last barriers in high-level L2 speech: morphosyntax in focus Inge Bartning and Fanny Forsberg Lundell
- 3. Discourse and interaction in highly proficient L2 users Lars Fant
- 4. Formulaic language in advanced long-residency L2 speakers Britt Erman, Fanny Forsberg Lundell and Margareta Lewis
- 5. Developing lexical complexity in oral production: limitations and possibilities of the advanced L2 learner Camilla Bardel and Anna Gudmundson
- 6. Reading comprehension in advanced L2 readers Philip Shaw and Alan McMillion
- 7. Polyglotism – a synergy of abilities and predispositions Kenneth Hyltenstam
- 8. What's the target? A folk linguistic study of young stockholmers' constructions of linguistic norm and variation Ellen Bijvoet and Kari Fraurud.
