1 Introduction

The importance of listening in second language teaching and research has been increasingly recognized, yet studies on the mechanisms of listening acquisition and comprehension remain insufficient. Domestic research on second language listening lacks theoretical and practical depth, with findings often disconnected from teaching practices. Although some exploration has been undertaken in recent years, the quantity and depth of research still need improvement. The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Listening systematically reviews the current state and future trends in second language listening research, covering theoretical foundations, core topics, teaching and assessment practices, and emerging issues. It provides a theoretical framework and practical methods for listening instruction and research, holding significant value.

2 Overview of Content

The book consists of 29 chapters divided into four parts. Part One explores the cognitive processes of second language listening comprehension, phonological acquisition, theoretical perspectives on listening development, and the influence of cognition, emotion, and age on listening proficiency. Part Two discusses core topics such as lexical knowledge, multimodal instruction, listening input, vocabulary and grammar knowledge, pragmatic perspectives, listening as an interactive skill, and speech intelligibility. Part Three addresses teaching and assessment practices, including second language listening pedagogy, machine-assisted testing, speech segmentation skills, cognitive diagnostic approaches, learning challenges for hearing-impaired individuals, academic English listening instruction, and the teaching and assessment of children's second language listening. Part Four focuses on emerging issues such as visual cues, interactive listening in second language, multimodal listening task design, listening instruction in English as a lingua franca contexts, and technology-assisted listening teaching and research, while also outlining future directions for second language listening instruction and research.

3 Brief Review

The significance and features of The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Listening are discussed. Over the past two decades, there have been few comprehensive works in the field of second language listening acquisition, whereas this handbook thoroughly synthesizes research topics and findings, offering a systematic theoretical framework and practical guidance. The handbook has four key characteristics: coherent and rigorous chapter structure that accommodates diverse needs; comprehensive and instructive theoretical discussions; teaching practices grounded in second language acquisition theory and listening research; and a well-structured, forward-looking content system. The handbook not only provides theoretical support and practical guidance for second language listening research globally but also serves as a valuable reference for addressing practical challenges in domestic listening instruction. It achieves an organic integration of theoretical exploration and practical analysis, balancing academic depth with applicability. Additionally, the handbook traces the developmental trajectory and research gaps in second language listening acquisition, outlining future trends and cutting-edge developments in the field. In summary, this handbook is an invaluable resource for domestic researchers, second language teachers, and learners.