This book represents a major statement of the current research being conducted on the learning of second languages from a sociocultural perspective. The book is divided into a theoretical and an empirical part. Specific topics covered include: learning and teaching languages in the zone of proximal development; L1 mediation in the acquisition of L2 grammar; sociocultural theory as a theory of second language learning; gestural mediation in a second language; and constructing a self through a second language.

Pacesetter is a four-level course that takes teenage students from beginner to intermediate level. Each level contains 15 teaching units and three consolidation units. The series is designed for mid-teen students who are highly-motivated and academic. The content is challenging and the language teaching moves at a quicker pace than in titles that were developed for markets where there are low expectations of students. Features include: a thorough and clearly signposted grammar syllabus; motivating topics which draw on students' own experiences and develop their interest in the world around them; integrated skills work; an engaging photostory at beginner and elementary level which incorporates informal language — at the higher levels three lively short stories encourage reading skills; practical review sections at the end of each unit and three consolidation units to provide appropriate levels of revision; and three guided projects which provide opportunities for more substantial and personal pieces of work.

This, the third volume to appear in the New Oxford History of England, covers the period from the repeal of the Corn Laws to the dramatic failure of Gladstone's first Home Rule Bill. In his magisterial study of the mid-Victorian generation, Theo Hoppen identifies three defining themes. The first he calls 'established industrialism' — the growing acceptance that factory life and manufacturing had come to stay. It was during these four decades that the balance of employment shifted irrevocably. For the first time in history, more people were employed in industry than worked on the land. The second concerns the 'multiple national identities' of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom. Dr Hoppen's study of the histories of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Empire reveals the existence of a variety of particular and overlapping national traditions flourishing alongside the increasingly influential structure of the unitary state. The third defining theme is that of 'interlocking spheres' which the author uses to illuminate the formation of public culture in the period. This, he argues, was generated not by a series of influences operating independently from each other, but by a variety of intermeshed political, economic, scientific, literary and artistic developments. This original and authoritative book will define these pivotal forty years in British history for the next generation.

The Koran has constituted a remarkably strong core of identity and continuity for a religious tradition that is now in its fifteenth century. This Very Short Introduction explores the significance of the Koran both in the modern world and in traditional Muslim culture. Michael Cook provides a lucid and direct account of the Koran as codex, as scripture, as liturgy, and as the embodiment of truth, and examines its means of formation and dissemination. He also discusses issues of interpretation for certain key verses, demonstrating that fecundity of the text for readers throughout the world.

This stimulating Very Short Introduction to music invites us to really think about music and the values and qualities we ascribe to it. The world teems with different kinds of music-traditional, folk, classical, jazz, rock, pop-and each type of music tends to come with its own way of thinking. Drawing on a wealth of accessible examples ranging from Beethoven to the Spice Girls to Chinese zither music, Nicholas Cook attempts to provide a framework for thinking about all music. By examining the personal, social, and cultural values that music embodies, the book reveals the shortcomings of traditional conceptions of music, and sketches a more inclusive approach emphasizing the role of performers and listeners.

Drawing on studies of social class, crime and deviance, work in bureaucracies, and changes in religious and political organizations, this Very Short Introduction explores the tension between the individual's role in society and society's role in shaping the individual, and demonstrates the value of sociology as a perspective for understanding the modern world.

This is an appealing comedy 'soap' story, combined with a clear language focus.

The gold rushes of the nineteenth century were a defining point in Australian history, bringing with them far-reaching social and economic changes. They also brought with them a new language, and the underlying argument of this book is that the gold rushes played a significant role in the development of Australian English. Gold! Gold! Gold! takes the form of a dictionary, with extensive supporting quotations from contemporary texts chosen to provide relevant historical information, and to evoke the living pulse of gold rush era. More than 500 headwords cover many aspects of the goldfields, including methods of mining, law and order, social life, hardships and afflictions, thieves and villains.

A new picture dictionary for older children which presents over 1,500 words drawn from social studies, history, science, and maths. Sixty thematic topics are presented in beautiful full-colour pictures.

A radical revision of the successful Streetwise course for teenagers, combining new material with the best of the original edition.

An innovative, flexible, three-level short course in Business English.

Designed for learners who want to make effective progress in a short time, this course concentrates on developing fluency, refreshing key grammar areas, and extending vocabulary. 40-60 hours per level.

Zola wrote that my title speaks not merely of a war, but also of the crumbling of a regime and the end of a world. The penultimate novel of the Rougon-Macquart cycle, La Debacle (1892) takes as its subject the dramatic events of the Franco-Prussian War and the Commune of 1870-71. During Zola's lifetime it was the bestselling of all his novels, praised by contemporaries for its epic sweep as well as its attention to historical detail. The novel seeks to explain why the Second Empire ended in a crushing military defeat and revolutionary violence. It focuses on ordinary soldiers, showing their bravery and suffering in the midst of circumstances they cannot control. Zola's descriptions are some of the most powerful he ever wrote. He skilfully integrates his narrative of events and the fictional lives of his characters to provide the finest account of this tragic chapter in the history of France. Often compared to War and Peace, La Debacle has been described as a 'seminal' work for all modern depictions of war.

Combines systematic training in exam techniques and thorough development of advanced level language skills.

Combines systematic training in exam techniques and thorough development of advanced level language skills.

A course to enable professionals to communicate more confidently in English both in and out of the workplace. • Each of the 14 units is based around a broad theme, such as Performance, Trade, and Negotiating, as a means to focus on real business situations. These include formal scenarios inside the workplace as well as social exchanges. The units can be used in any order to give maximum flexibility and to match the specific requirements and availability of students. • Each unit has five sections: 'Did you know?' gives interesting facts as a lead-in to the unit; 'Language Work' gives appropriate language practice; 'Business Skills', helps students develop the skills to deal with real-life business situations; 'Meetings' provides practice in participating in meetings; and 'Table Talk' gives practice in social conversation. • The emphasis in the Student's Book is on developing listening and speaking skills. A wide variety of speech production tasks help students to sound confident and thus communicate more effectively. • Grammar is approached inductively. The grammar sections invite students to analyse their knowledge of structures and develop an awareness of language patterns. The analysis is followed by one or more exercises to place the structure in a business context. A clear grammar summary is provided at the back of the Student's Book. • Authentic reading and listening material from around the world is used to explore different approaches to business and to develop social and cultural awareness, one of the most difficult areas for students at this level. • The 'Table Talk' sections encourage students to develop conversational skills on topics unrelated to their work, such as the family and leisure activities. This section includes improvised conversations between native and non-native speakers on cassette, helping students to cope with the hesitations, interruptions and deviations of natural speech.

A course to enable professionals to communicate more confidently in English both in and out of the workplace. • Each of the 14 units is based around a broad theme, such as Performance, Trade, and Negotiating, as a means to focus on real business situations. These include formal scenarios inside the workplace as well as social exchanges. The units can be used in any order to give maximum flexibility and to match the specific requirements and availability of students. • Each unit has five sections: 'Did you know?' gives interesting facts as a lead-in to the unit; 'Language Work' gives appropriate language practice; 'Business Skills', helps students develop the skills to deal with real-life business situations; 'Meetings' provides practice in participating in meetings; and 'Table Talk' gives practice in social conversation. • The emphasis in the Student's Book is on developing listening and speaking skills. A wide variety of speech production tasks help students to sound confident and thus communicate more effectively. • Grammar is approached inductively. The grammar sections invite students to analyse their knowledge of structures and develop an awareness of language patterns. The analysis is followed by one or more exercises to place the structure in a business context. A clear grammar summary is provided at the back of the Student's Book. • Authentic reading and listening material from around the world is used to explore different approaches to business and to develop social and cultural awareness, one of the most difficult areas for students at this level. • The 'Table Talk' sections encourage students to develop conversational skills on topics unrelated to their work, such as the family and leisure activities. This section includes improvised conversations between native and non-native speakers on cassette, helping students to cope with the hesitations, interruptions and deviations of natural speech.

A motivating three-level course with a clear, coherent structure and built-in flexibility. Lifelines combines thorough language presentation and practice with human-interest topics and texts. It provides core material of 70-100 hours per level. — An up-to-date, friendly course which draws on a wide range of approaches to provide students with the balance of reflection, practice, and use necessary for effective language learning. — The material is exceptionally involving and high in human interest — a hallmark of this popular author. — The language syllabus is clear, comprehensive, and realistic in length. — There is a discovery approach to language learning which encourages students to develop independent skills. This is reinforced by a comprehensive Grammar Reference at each level. — It combines strong skills development, systematic vocabulary work, and an emphasis on functional English, with constant recycling. At Elementary level a 'Functional Language' reference draws together the practical everyday language that students need. — An independent pronunciation syllabus introduces the IPA and covers English sounds, stress, and intonation.

A motivating three-level course with a clear, coherent structure and built-in flexibility. Lifelines combines thorough language presentation and practice with human-interest topics and texts. It provides core material of 70-100 hours per level. — An up-to-date, friendly course which draws on a wide range of approaches to provide students with the balance of reflection, practice, and use necessary for effective language learning. — The material is exceptionally involving and high in human interest — a hallmark of this popular author. — The language syllabus is clear, comprehensive, and realistic in length. — There is a discovery approach to language learning which encourages students to develop independent skills. This is reinforced by a comprehensive Grammar Reference at each level. — It combines strong skills development, systematic vocabulary work, and an emphasis on functional English, with constant recycling. At Elementary level a 'Functional Language' reference draws together the practical everyday language that students need. — An independent pronunciation syllabus introduces the IPA and covers English sounds, stress, and intonation.

A radical revision of the successful Streetwise course for teenagers, combining new material with the best of the original edition. — It appeals to teenagers through a modern, attractive magazine format and explores issues that teenagers want to talk about. Many of the topics have been revised and updated to keep the material fresh and relevant. — There is a thorough grammar syllabus. Grammar is taught in context — teaching points arise naturally from the reading or listening texts, showing how structures are really used. After every two units 'Grammar review' and 'Grammar practice' sections provide essential consolidation and further practice. — There is a balance of skills work throughout. Reading exercises have been added which provide a gentle introduction to FCE-style comprehension tasks. Writing work is given greater support, with a carefully structured guided writing syllabus. — The 'Getting Streetwise!' sections of the course focus on functional and situational language, as well as strategies for conversational English. — There is an emphasis on vocabulary development and word-building. — A range of exercises and activities cater for all abilities. — Six new songbook pages related to unit themes have a strong teen appeal. Each song provides a motivating context for reading, speaking and listening activities. — New Self-check and Self-test exercises at regular intervals encourage learner autonomy and self-assessment.