Implicit and Explicit Knowledge in Second Language Learning, Testing and Teaching

The New Zealand research group has done a superb job of putting together in a coherent volume empirical studies on implicit and explicit l 2 knowledge, a timely topic in SLA research. A full range of issues is covered including theory, definitions, measurement as well as the effects of instruction. Both novice and experienced researchers will finish reading this book with an excellent understanding of the central issues and with an excitement about the possibilities of doing research in this area. This book is a welcome addition to the growing body of studies on l 2 knowledge types and will occupy an important place in university and private libraries.Susan Gass, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State UniversityWhat are the interactions, if any, between explicit and implicit language knowledge? The 'Interface Question' is the most fundamental issue of Applied Linguistics and Second Language Research. It determines how we should learn languages, how we should teach them, and how we should test proficiency. It is a fundamental theoretical question of Cognitive Science too. In this excellent volume, Rod Ellis and his colleagues in the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden project take us through their extensive cognitive and psychometric research into the definition and measurement of implicit and explicit language knowledge, its acquisition, and its instruction. Nick Ellis, University of Michigan, USAMy view of the book is that it is a must-have for any person interested in SLA. It represents the peak of collaborative effort in tackling the issues at hand...This book makes a valuable contribution to the field of SLA , and it will become an indispensable text for graduate students, researchers and language professionals alike. Darcy Sperlich, School of English of the Manukau Institute of Technology, in Auckland, New Zealand on the LINGUIST List 22.578, 03/02/2011