Promotional Information

Richly informed by the experiences of professionals who have devoted much of their careers to the topic, the contributions assembled in this volume offer to readers a varied palette of insights, practical know-how, and differential recommendations regarding the development of superior second-language abilities. -- Heidi Byrnes, editor-in-chief of The Modern Language Journal and George M. Roth Distinguished Professor of German, Georgetown University Even though national initiatives (like Flagship and CLS) have been successful at guiding students to reach high levels of linguistic and cultural proficiency for over ten years, unfortunately these successes have not been represented adequately in research-based studies. To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Theory and Methods for Developing Superior Second Language Ability offers a welcome contribution to the field by framing the issue of advanced-level language learning through multiple perspectives within the SLA, including the role of assessment, in-country immersion, and Language for Special Purposes. -- Madeline Spring, Director, University of Hawaii Chinese Flagship Program and professor of Chinese, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Table of Contents

Introduction: Past Context, Present Focus, Future Directions: Shifting Focus from Intermediate Skills in Classroom Training to Advanced/Superior and BeyondCynthia L. Martin Part One: Defining Characteristics of High-level Language Learning and Learners 1. Experience with Higher Levels of ProficiencyBetty Lou Leaver and Christine Campbell 2. L1, L2, and Cognitive Development: Exploring RelationshipsDan Dewey, Ray Clifford, and Troy Cox Part Two: Approaches to Maximizing Language Gain at Home and Abroad 3. Developing Superior Language Proficiency and Analytical Skills for the Federal WorkforceDeborah Kennedy and Christa Hansen 4. Advanced Foreign Language Study through DebateTony Brown, Jennifer Bown, and Dennis L. Eggett 5. Chinese for Special Purposes: Individualized Instruction as a Bridge to Overseas Direct EnrollmentMatthew B. Christensen and Dana S. Bourgerie 6. Taking on the "Ceiling Effect" in ArabicR. Kirk Belnap and Khaled Abuamsha 7. The Development of L2 Proficiency and Literacy within the Context of the Federally Supported Overseas Language Training Programs for AmericansDan E. DavidsonPart Three: Future Directions in Assessment, Program Design, and National Policy 8. From Proficiency to Expertise: Using HR Evaluation Methods to Assess Advanced Foreign Language and Culture AbilityPatrick McAloon 9. Professional Language Skills: Unprecedented Demand and SupplyRichard D. Brecht, William P. Rivers, John P. Robinson, and Dan E. Davidson 10. Expanded Understandings and Programmatic Approaches for Achieving Advanced Language AbilityFrederick H. Jackson Conclusion: To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Charting a New Course in the Twenty-First CenturyTony Brown and Jennifer Bown Contributors Index

About the Author

Tony Brown is a professor in the department of German and Russian at Brigham Young University. He has published articles in the Foreign Language Annals, Modern Language Journal, Russian Language Journal, and Language Policy. Jennifer Bown is an associate professor in the department of German and Russian at Brigham Young University. Her articles have appeared in such journals as Language Teaching, Foreign Language Annals, Modern Language Journal, and Innovation in Language Teaching and Learning.

Reviews

Even though national initiatives (like Flagship and CLS) have been successful at guiding students to reach high levels of linguistic and cultural proficiency for over ten years, unfortunately these successes have not been represented adequately in research-based studies. To Advanced Proficiency and Beyond: Theory and Methods for Developing Superior Second Language Ability offers a welcome contribution to the field by framing the issue of advanced-level language learning through multiple perspectives within the SLA, including the role of assessment, in-country immersion, and Language for Special Purposes.--Madeline Spring, Director, University of Hawaii Chinese Flagship Program and professor of Chinese, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Richly informed by the experiences of professionals who have devoted much of their careers to the topic, the contributions assembled in this volume offer to readers a varied palette of insights, practical know-how, and differential recommendations regarding the development of superior second-language abilities. --Heidi Byrnes, editor-in-chief of The Modern Language Journal and George M. Roth Distinguished Professor of German, Georgetown University