This book is designed to integrate theory, research, and practice on the learning of second and foreign languages as informed by sociocultural and activity theory. It aims to familiarize students, teachers, and other researchers who do not work within the theory with its principal claims and contructs in particular as they relate to second language research. The book also describes and illustrates the use of activity theory to support practical and conceptual innovations in second language education.

1. Introduction
2. The genetic method
3. Mediation: theoretical framework
4. Symbolic mediation and L2 learners, 1: inner speech, private speech, and gesture
5. Symbolic mediation and L2 learners, 2: metaphor, lexis, and narratives
6. Internalization, 1: theoretical framework
7. Internalization, 2: L2 development
8. Activity theory, 1: theoritical framework
9. Activity theory, 2: L2 development
10. The zone of proximal development
11. Pedagogy, 1: systemic-theoretical instruction
12. Pedagogy, 2: dynamic assessment