Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on research that continues to use the theory as a lens for examining how its concepts and principles can inform people understanding of various phenomena in everyday and in educational settings. It also focuses on research where the theory is used to directly inform practice, especially, though not exclusively, in educational environments. The book considers two interrelated and fundamental features of sociocultural theory essential to L. S. Vygotsky's account of consciousness: mediation and internalization. It provides the case for the need to appreciate the methodological framework that Vygotsky established in opposition to the framework imported by psychology from the natural sciences. The book addresses the matter of whether or not learning an additional language as an adult has an impact on one's private or inner speech.