Multilingual Matters Online Communication in a Second Language: Social Interaction, Language Use, and Learning Japanese (Second Language Acquisition): 66

Online Communication in a Second Language examines the use of social computer mediated communication with speakers of Japanese via longitudinal case studies of up to four years. Through the analysis of over 2,000 instances of online communication, in addition to extensive interviews, the book explores opportunities for language acquisition and use in authentic online interaction. Review This book takes the study of language learners' use of technology into new directions by investigating the use of technology as autonomous, active participants in online communication. Its careful analysis opens up new possibilities for understanding and using technologies in language education and reveals what out-of-class communication affords contemporary language learners. --Anthony J. Liddicoat, University of South Australia, Australia Pasfield-Neofitou's book Online Communication in a Second Language is an impressive and timely contribution to the field. The widespread use of new technology in language learning is revolutionizing notions such as 'language use', 'interaction', 'competence', 'identity' and 'native speaker'. This calls for serious scholarly inquiries into the nature of the interplay between the new technology and language learning/language use. The book engages with these concepts and is a significant achievement in that direction. I highly recommend this book to scholars and students interested in second language learning in general, and those interested in the use of online communication in second language learning/use in particular. --Farzad Sharifian, Monash University, Australia This important contribution furthers our understanding of how social interaction can play a role in the learning of Japanese. The in-depth and authoritative discussion of the various complexities of this emerging field is likely to provide a solid foundation for not only researchers of the range of social communication tools that are being used by second language learners, but also for language teachers looking to enrich learning environments through interaction with a natural audience. --Glenn Stockwell, Waseda University, Japan About the Author Dr. Sarah Pasfield-Neofitou is a lecturer in the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, Monash University, where she teaches Japanese, applied linguistics and sociolinguistics, and is the eEducation Coordinator. Her research interests include online communication, sociolinguistics, and elearning. Sarah has worked on projects involving language attitudes online, virtual worlds, online dictionaries, social networking, and the use of technology in teaching. Her previous publications include articles in Babel, CALL-EJ Online and Language Learning & Technology, among others, and she has authored several book chapters. www.sarahpasfieldneofitou.com