Welcome to Volume 4 Issue 1 of the IAFOR Journal of Language Learning, the first for the Journal’s new Editor, Dr Melinda Cowart, Professor of Bilingual/ESL Teacher Education, Texas Woman’s University, USA.
At a time when the number of second language learners continues to grow, it reminds educators and researchers engaged in teaching and investigating the multifaceted processes of second language acquisition that their work is significant and enduring. The mechanics of language and individual languages as well as affective issues such as cultural identity, marginalization, acculturation, assimilation, language shock, language loss, language status, self-esteem, and the contexts of exit and reception for the newcomer must be explored if language learning is to be successful. Effective practice for educators, as well as new strategies and techniques, are all equally important topics that are addressed by a group of diverse authors in this issue of the IAFOR Journal of Language Learning.
