In This Issue
Articles
The first full-length article by Aya Watanabe explores the role of non-verbal communicative behavior in language education, a rather underexplored topic in our field indeed. By documenting how a language teacher uses a microphone gesture to allocate turns in classroom interaction in structured fashion, the author provides valuable insight into communication in a second/foreign language as an embodied practice, and in the process, reveals classroom discourse analysis as a strand of applied linguistics research concerned with multimodality. In the second full-length study, which focuses on Japanese language prosody, Kaoru Ochiai reveals a positive correlation between self-directed perception and language production, and argues for the integration of accent listening activities to improve perception training.
In this issue we are lucky to have three Expositions articles by important thinkers in our field. In the first article, Albert Weidemanshares some of the core features of his conceptually rich and provocative work over the past fifty years. Central to this body of work is the development of a theory of applied linguistics, labeled by the author as a discipline of design with an important and unique historical trajectory, invested in the resolution of real-world language-related problems. The second Expositions article is by John Levis, and summarizes the author’s proposed ‘intelligibility principle’ as a reliable point of reference not only in the context of pronunciation teaching and learning but also everyday language use. The relevance of this principle is also explained with regards to other aspects of spoken language, and is positioned as a superior alternative to the often sought-after “native-like” pronunciation. The third article by Kayoko Hashimoto provides a much-needed discussion on ethics in applied linguistics research. Grounded partly in her own experience as a critical applied linguist and language-in-education policy analyst for over two decades, the author explores the links between a researcher’s positionality, choices of research methods, and their ethical ramifications.
Reviews
In this issue, we are happy to introduce three book reviews. The first, written by Wayne Malcolm, is an interesting and personal perspective on Naeem Inayatullah’s Pedagogy as Encounter: Beyond the Teaching Imperative. We believe that readers will find Wayne’s dialogue with the text compelling. The second, written by Peter Clements, is about the volume Narrative Inquiry into Language Teaching Identity: ALTs in the JET Program, written by Takaaki Hiratsuka. According to Peter, what sets this book apart from other research about ALTs is that it “focuses on ALTs’ holistic experiences through retrospective interviews, thus providing an insider’s perspective on the complexities and contradictions of JET and making the volume relevant to both policymakers and practitioners.” The third, written by Ugilkhon Kakilova, Dilnavoz Toshnazarova and Ulugbek Nurmukhamedov is a review of Eli Hinkel’s Teaching Academic L2 Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar. The three reviewers describe how theory informs the recommended practices in the book, as well as highlight specific examples of practices they found especially effective in their own classrooms. We hope readers will enjoy reading and benefit from this issue’s reviews.
From the Editors
This issue marks Dennis Koyama’s final contribution as editor of JALT Journal. His experience, vision, and steadfast and detailed approach to editorship helped secure JALT Journal’s SCOPUS accreditation, ensure the quality of published pieces, and develop possible avenues for the future of this journal. Thanks a million, Dennis! We appreciate your dedication, and wish you the best in your future research and professional endeavors.
We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the authors who contributed articles and book reviews on a wide range of topics not often addressed in applied linguistics, including pronunciation, non-verbal communication, research ethics, and even a theory of applied linguistics. As Dr. Weideman states in his Expositions piece, strengthening applied linguistics research involves facing three complex challenges: (1) determining the direction that applied linguistics scholarship should take, (2) using appropriate conceptual paradigms for steering the field in that desired direction; and (3) establishing robust principles for the development of concepts relevant to research practice in the field. We believe that, in their own ways, the various contributions to this issue have made their own unique contributions in that direction.
— Dennis Koyama, Editor
— Jeremie Bouchard, Associate Editor
— Joe Geluso, Assistant Editor
Parting Acknowledgements and Farewell from Dennis Koyama
As this issue marks the end of my tenure as editor of JALT Journal, I reflect on two years as associate editor and another two years as editor. I am delighted to pass the editorial helm to Jeremie Bouchard as editor and Joe Geluso as associate editor. Their unwavering support and dedication to JALT Journal have been invaluable, and I am confident that the journal will continue to thrive under their leadership.
Volunteering with JALT Publications has been immensely rewarding, both professionally and personally. I have forged meaningful connections with colleagues in Japan and across the globe. This role has also provided countless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and the chance to contribute to the academic community in meaningful ways. I am grateful for the enriching experiences and the camaraderie shared with the JALT Publications team.
Although the list of people I would like to thank is much longer than what follows, a few people have been a significant source of support and encouragement. I extend my thanks to Melodie Cook for her continuous support of the JALT Organization and for stepping in as Book Reviews Editor, even after she has once retired from JALT Journal. Cameron Flinn’s steadfast work as production editor and Malcolm Swanson’s exceptional skills in formatting and finalizing the journal’s layout and design have been instrumental in ensuring the timely and professional presentation of each issue.
I am deeply grateful to the Editorial Board members, copy editors, and reviewers, whose diligent efforts and expertise have been the backbone of the journal. Without their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, JALT Journal would not be possible.
Special thanks to Gregory Paul Glasgow, my predecessor as editor, with whom I had the pleasure of working closely with for two years. Together, we got the journal SCOPUS registered, transitioned the article submission process to an online manuscript management platform, oversaw the first special issue of the journal, and introduced a new article type called, Expositions. Thanks, Gregory, for everything!
Lastly, I offer my deepest gratitude to Theron Muller for his dedication to JALT and his outstanding leadership as publications chair. His extensive years of service to JALT Publications has been pivotal in keeping it successful.
Thank you all for making my tenure as editor a truly memorable and rewarding experience. The journal is indeed in capable and dedicated hands, and I look forward to seeing its continued success.
