A network built over time
RéAL2 is part of a scientific tradition initiated at Paris 8 in 1979. From national research groups to European projects, each stage has expanded the community studying second language acquisition.
The starting point in Vincennes
On 27 and 28 April, Paris 8 hosts the first conference in France devoted to second language acquisition, establishing a scientific tradition that would shape the field for decades.
GdR 0113 “Language Acquisition”
Led by Clive Perdue at Paris 8, France’s first research group dedicated to the field brings teams together for eight years.
New research directions
Second language acquisition research is reorganised within French laboratories. In Toulouse, the “Acquisition, Learning and Bilingualism” programme broadens the field beyond French as a foreign language.
The PARI project
The project on initial knowledge in adult acquisition of a new language opens a new experimental phase and lays the groundwork for wider European cooperation.
VILLA, a three-country project
“Varieties of Initial Learners in Language Acquisition” brings together France, Germany and the Netherlands with support from ANR, DFG and NWO.
An international research network
The “Second Language Acquisition and Teaching” GDRI strengthens exchanges between French and international teams and connects previously isolated specialists.
RéAL2 is born
The international COULS conference in Nantes leads to the creation of RéAL2 and gives the network its collective identity.
Discover the COULS conferenceFrom a GIS to a thematic network
The creation of the Scientific Interest Group consolidates the network. RéAL2 continues this momentum through study days, international conferences, thematic schools and methodology workshops.
What this history makes possible
Compare approaches
Bring theoretical frameworks, methods and findings together to better understand acquisition.
Connect research teams
Circulate knowledge among French laboratories and international partners.
Share knowledge
Bring research advances into dialogue with language teaching.