The introduction and tracking of reference to people or individuals, known as referential movement, is a central feature of coherence, and accounts for “about every third word of discourse”. Located at the intersection of pragmatics and grammar, reference is now proving a rich and enduring source of insight into second language development. The challenge for second language (L2) learners involves navigating the selection and positioning of reference in the target language, continually shifting and balancing the referential means used to maintain coherence, while remaining acutely sensitive to the discourse and social context.

The present volume focuses on how L2 learners meet that challenge, bringing together both eminent and up-and-coming researchers in the field of L2 acquisition. The chapters address a range of problems in second language acquisition (SLA) (e.g., form-function mapping, first language [L1] influence, developmental trajectories), and do so in relation to various theoretical approaches to reference (e.g., Accessibility Theory, Givenness Hierarchy). The global outlook of these studies relates to the L2 acquisition of English, French, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish and covers a diverse range of situational contexts including heritage language learning, English as a medium of instruction, and the development of sociolinguistic competence.

Jonathon Ryan is a principal academic staff member at Wintec in Hamilton, New Zealand, with the Centre for Languages and the Master of Applied Innovation programme. He is also Head of Materials Development for Chasing Time English. His research interests include reference, practitioner research, L2 pragmatics, and Conversation Analysis for language teaching.

Peter Crosthwaite is a senior lecturer in the School of Languages and Cultures at the University of Queensland, Australia (since 2017), having formerly been an assistant professor at the Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES), University of Hong Kong, China (since 2014). His areas of research and supervisory expertise include second language acquisition, reference to person, the use of corpora for language learning (known as “data-driven learning”), and English for General and Specific Academic Purposes.