This text brings together the work of scholars attempting to extend Vygotsky's theory to second language research. The papers included, are organized according to three of the major topics of interest in Vygotskian research: zone of proximal development, inner and private speech, and activity theory. All of the papers report on the results of empirical research carried on in these three areas. Readers will recognize the potential sociocultural theory and research has for developing a fuller understanding of L2 learning and use.