摘要：The present issue of ELIA (Estudios de Lingüística Inglesa Aplicada / Studies in Applied English Linguistics) is number 6 in this now consolidated series on applied linguistics. In the last seven years ELIA has found a place among the most prominent publications in Spain devoted to the diffusion of research in the field of applied linguistics, especially in the area of second and foreign language teaching and learning, and use. If there is something that characterizes this issue of ELIA, it is its international character, since it includes seven articles written by researchers from seven different countries, all addressing issues of concern to applied linguists. Achieving this international character has been one of the chief concerns and interests of the team that edits ELIA, as we believe that in the globalised world in which we live, openness to works and points of view forged in different academic contexts should take priority. We hope therefore that this volume will provide opportunities for reflection on certain issues in applied linguistics and trigger new research in the field. Exceptionally, this sixth issue of ELIA contains materials for two years (2005 and 2006); until now the journal had appeared annually. This does not reflect a new tendency in the publication of ELIA but a transitory circumstance that, we anticipate, will return to normal in the coming year
