Advances in Second and Foreign Language Acquisition: From Greek Classrooms to Global Contexts

This book offers new empirical insights into second language acquisition and multilingual education. Drawing on diverse theoretical frameworks, it explores the intersections of multilingualism and language pedagogy across varied global contexts. Organised into three thematic sections, the volume brings together thirteen studies first presented at the 2024 annual Advances in Second and Foreign Language Acquisition conference at the University of Nicosia. It spans topics such as Teaching Greek to Speakers of Other Languages, intercultural communicative competence, task-based instruction, and the cognitive dimensions of language learning. Contributions are grounded in sociocultural theory, complex dynamic systems theory, and intercultural communicative competence, highlighting issues of integration, learner identity and linguistic diversity. Bridging both regional and international contexts, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and policymakers engaging with contemporary challenges facing second and foreign language education.

Christine Savvidou is Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus and coordinator of the PhD TESOL programme. Her research focuses on TESOL, teacher education, and professional development. She publishes widely in international journals and regularly presents at international conferences on second language education, teacher development, technology-enhanced language learning and higher education.

Georgios Georgiou is an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus and currently serves as Associate Head of the Department of Languages and Literature. He is the Director of the Phonetic Lab. His research interests include experimental phonetics, speech acquisition, language acquisition, and machine learning.

Aretousa Giannakou is a Lecturer at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. Her research interests include formal and applied linguistics, focusing on comparative syntax, bilingualism, second language acquisition, heritage languages, Greek as a second language, English as a lingua franca, and intercultural education. Her work contributes to both theoretical understanding and educational applications in multilingual contexts.