Language Learners with Special Needs

The significance of language learning in our globalized world has been widely recognized given the internationalization of markets, increased opportunities to travel, and the vast body of research that shows the benefits of language learning on brain functions and certain skills (e.g., problem-solving). Although several language learning theories and practices have been developed to support learning a second or foreign language, individual characteristics and contextual conditions significantly affect the language learning processes. The chapter that follows reviews the body of literature on language learners with Special Educational Needs (SENs) with a special focus on assessment and support processes. The aim is to provide a brief review of research in language learning for SEN learners and recommendations for further developments.