Task-based language teaching (TBLT) is an innovative approach to language teaching which emphasises the importance of engaging learners' natural abilities for acquiring language incidentally.The speed with which the field is expanding makes it difficult to keep up with recent developments, for novices and experienced researchers alike.This handbook meets that need, providing a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the field, written by a stellar line-up of leading international experts.Chapters are divided into five thematic areas, and as well as covering theory, also contain case studies to show how TBLT can be implemented in practice, in a range of global contexts, as well as questions for discussion, and suggested further readings.Comprehensive in its coverage, and written in an accessible style, it will appeal to a wide readership, not only researchers and graduate students, but also classroom teachers working in a variety of educational and cultural contexts around the world.