This book treats second language users in their own right rather than as failed native speakers. It describes a range of psychological and linguistic approaches to diverse topics about L2 users. It thus provides an innovative overview of current second language acquisition theories, results and methods, seen from a common perspective.

After writing EFL course-books, Vivian Cook concentrated on linguistics and language learning in books such as Chomsky's Universal Grammar and Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. His current interest is developing the concept of multi-competence and applying it to the design of language teaching materials. He was founding President of the European Second Language Association (EUROSLA).