Leading researchers in the field of spoken discourse and language teaching offer an empirically informed, issues-based discussion of the present state of research into spoken language. They address some of the complex and rewarding opportunities offered by these emerging insights for language education and, specifically, for TESOL. They ask whether new data and evidence that spoken discourse is a distinctive genre will challenge existing language theories and teaching. What could be the practical outcomes for curriculum, teaching approaches, materials and assessment? A stimulating resource for researchers and for professional and student language teachers.