ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of the research strand concerned with the development of L2 interactional competence. It first outlines the historical developments within SLA that have led to current understandings of L2 interactional competence and presents the definition of interactional competence used in the book. It then reviews empirical studies on the development of L2 interactional competence, focusing specifically on research that is of particular relevance for the investigation of complaining (storytelling openings, the co-construction of social activities, linguistic and embodied resources in interaction, and shared interactional histories and routines). It finally synthesizes the reviewed literature and identifies research gaps that the book seeks to address.
