One of the original aims of the Introduction to Foreign language Learning and Teaching was to provide an account of the field which was up to date, but which at the same time gave a historical perspective, showing where current ideas and developments have come from. This perspective, is important if we are to understand whare we are, and even where we may be going.

The main aim of the author is to update. Sometimes this has naturally resulted ina a slight reduction or re-orientation of the historical perspective. But this perspective remains. I has chapeters on acquisition dealing with the views of Krachen and Schumann. These views are important stepping stones towards more recent ideas, such as concepts of 'negotiation of meaning' and 'noticing' which are the subject of much current attention.