ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explores aspects of second language (L2) reference through the use of new methodological advances, through expanding the range of first language (L1)/L2 pairs for investigation, and by working with a broad range of data sources. It focuses on research opportunities relating to varying types of referential phenomena, theoretical frameworks in referring expression (RE) selection, data types, elicitation tasks, languages, participants, and applications for teaching. The book explores the interaction between referent accessibility, social status, and RE selection, which is an area particularly ripe for further investigation. It draws on a substantial body of research into L2 reference and in so doing reaffirms a number of robust and coherent findings, yet collectively the studies also highlight a sense of there being much further territory remaining to be explored.
