This volume documents and describes the growth of task-based research in language acquisition. It presents the origins, principles and key distinctions of referential communication research in first and second language studies, plus analyses and illustrations of different types of materials.
First Published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
"Yule's succinct summary of referential communication tasks discusses the key methodological issues of task design within a broad theoretical framework..."—The Clarion"This text provides lively and comprehensive coverage of the nature, background, and use of referential communication tasks."—Studies in Second Language Acquisition"...there is no doubt that this book is an excellent introduction to this particular research instrument in SLA. It is also valuable for classroom practitioners who want to understand the research and develop referential tasks for instructional purposes."—Language Teaching Research"...the author goes to great length in listing examples and providing illustrations. (A)...useful and welcome practical guide."—The Phonetician"...an excellent overview....I found the book readable and interesting. I expect others will find it to be a useful resource as they explore the use of a variety of methodologies for work in language development....Yule presents thorough review of the research literature that has examined the efficiency and effectiveness of participant performance in this type of standardized RC (referential communication) paradigm....the thoughtful description of the distinctions between RC tasks and other approaches to language development should be applauded....Yule presents an excellent discussion of the extent to which RC methodology has had a specific impact on understanding L2 (second language) acquisition processes....Yule's successful integration of results from multidisciplinary approaches requires a precise understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of specific research methodologies. Yule's treatment of this issue is extremely thoughtful."—Applied Psycholinguistics
