The Social Turn in Second Language Acquisition investigates the shift in focus within the field of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) towards social and contextual factors. It argues that understanding language learning requires moving beyond purely cognitive models to embrace the social, cultural, and political dimensions of the learner's experience. The book explores how interactions, identity, and power dynamics shape the acquisition process, challenging traditional views that isolate the learner from their environment.

This book is regarded as a significant contribution to the field of applied linguistics, particularly for its articulation of the social turn in Second Language Acquisition. It is often cited for its theoretical depth and its challenge to purely cognitive approaches to language learning. The work is considered essential reading for advanced students and researchers in SLA and sociolinguistics, offering a robust framework for understanding the complex interplay between social context and language acquisition.