After writing EFL course-books, Vivian Cook concentrated on linguistics and language learning in books such as Chomsky's Universal Grammar and Second Language Learning and Language Teaching. His current interest is developing the concept of multi-competence and applying it to the design of language teaching materials. He was founding President of the European Second Language Association (EUROSLA).

Acknowledgements
Contributors
1 Vivian Cook: Background to the L2 User
2 Annette de Groot: Lexical Representation and Lexical Processing in the L2 User
3 Roy Major: The Phonology of the L2 User
4 Suzanne Flynn and Barbara Lust: A Minimalist Approach to L2 Solves a Dilemma of UG
5 Clive Perdue: Development of L2 Functional Use
6 Ellen Bialystok: Cognitive Processes of L2 Users
7 Fred Genesee: Portrait of the Bilingual Child
8 Franco Fabbro: The Neurolinguistics of L2 Users
9 Jean-Marc Dewaele: Individual Differences in L2 Fluency: The Effect of Neurobiological Correlates
10 Kees de Bot and Madeleine Hulsen: Language Attrition: Tests, Self-assessments and Perceptions
11 Aneta Pavlenko: Poststructuralist Approaches to the Study of Social Factors in Second Language Learning and Use
12 Francisco Gomes de Matos: Second Language Learners' Rights
13 Vivian Cook: Language Teaching Methodology and the L2 User Perspective
Index

Portraits of the L2 User treats second language users in their own right rather than as failed native speakers. It describes a range of psychological and linguistic approaches to diverse topics about L2 users. It thus provides an innovative overview of current second language acquisition theories, results and methods, seen from a common perspective.