The interactionist perspective on second language learning has focused on the social aspects of interaction, with interaction viewed as the context and process through which language can be learned. Language learning through interaction can be viewed from several current theoretical perspectives of second language learning: as interaction of learner needs (need to understand the target language and express it across modality with accuracy and appropriately); interaction of learning processes (cognitive, psycholinguistic, social); and interaction of learner with native-speaker interlocutors and with other learners. Researchers are now using a number of approaches to examine relationships between the types of interaction and learner productions within them, ushering in a new phase of research on second language learning that extends the focus beyond social interaction only. Contains 94 references. (MSE)