This introductory article introduces the field of second language acquisition (SLA) to specialists in French linguistics who are not familiar with it. Its purpose is to present a map of the field which will then enable the reader to better situate the following in depth articles which present focused theoretical and empirical investigations as they apply to French. The first part summarises rec...

Intake  is  a  concept  that  has  long  fascinated  second  language  researchers  as  it  provides  a window  onto  the  crucial  intermediary  stage  between  input  and  acquisition.  A  better understanding of this intermediary  stage can  help us to distinguish between input that  is used for immediate (e.g. communicative) purposes only and input that is drawn on for learning. This articl...