Second Language Teaching and Learning: Evolution and Adaptation to the Different Educational Contexts of Present-Day Society

Communication is without any doubt one of the traits that best defines the human species since the beginning of time. Without communication, the development and evolution of society to the current paradigms would not have been possible. Even though the human capacity to use more than one language has always existed, two events have been decisive in shaping the processes to teach and learn second languages: on the one hand, the consolidation and institutionalisation of Applied Linguistics as an independent science in the 20th century and, on the other, the establishment of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) at the beginning of the 21st century. Subsequently, the methodologies for teaching second languages underwent significant change, adopting communicative approaches geared at understanding and making oneself understood. In consequence, students’ learning styles were also modified. Moreover, the reasons for learning a second language have become more diversified and specialised, depending on personal and social needs. In consequence, the models for teaching and learning foreign languages have transformed formal, non-formal and informal education, exerting their influence in a wide variety of environments, such as schools, high schools, universities, academies, social networks, cinema, television and gatherings of friends, amongst others.