Proficiency Predictors in Sequential Bilinguals The Proficiency Puzzle Elements in Second Language Acquisition Series

This Element provides an overview of research considering variables deemed to impact bilingual language acquisition, and highlights research outcomes from a variety of disciplines. An exploratory study takes into account these variables and examines the language acquisition of adult Spanish-English bilinguals across a range of domains in their two languages. The results demonstrate that the highly interactive nature of bilingual speakers' languages is in line with a holistic view of the dynamic, interdependent nature of bilingualism as described by usage-based theories and dynamic systems theories, and by the conceptualization of bilingual language from a Dynamic Interactive Processing Perspective.

1. What are the key concepts?; 2. What are the main branches of research?; 3. What are the key readings?; 4. What are the new avenues for research?; 5. What are the implications for SLA, bilingualism, and pedagody?; 6. Conclusion: moving away from a deficiency view of bilingual language skills.