LLS have been defined by several researchers (Bialystok, 1978; Tarone,1981; Weinstein & Mayer, 1986; Rubin, 1987; Chamot, 1987; O’Malley &Chamot 1990; Oxford, 1990) since the 1980s. Bialystok (1978) definedlanguage learning strategies as optional means for exploiting availableinformation to improve competence in a second language. Tarone (1981) notedthat learning strategies were attempts to develop linguistic and sociolinguisticcompetence in the target language. According to Weinstein and Mayer (1986),learning strategies had learning facilitation as a goal and were intentional on thepart of the learner. Rubin (1987) defined LLS as the action that contributed tothe development of the language system which the learner constructed andaffected learning directly. Chamot (1987) saw learning strategies as techniques,113語言學習策略之研究113I. INTRODUCTIONDated back in the 1980s, researchers in second/foreign language learningbegan to shift their attention from teacher-centered area to learner-centered area.It was not until then that learning was claimed to be as significant as teaching insecond language learning. It was assumed that good teaching should include theways to learn, to remember, to process information, and to become moremotivated (Weinstein & Mayer, 1986). Language learners’ learning strategieshave become a major discussed issue in relation to second/foreign languagelearning since then. During the past three decades, attempts in defining languagelearning strategies (LLS), classifying LLS, finding the relationship betweenlearners’ personal factors and their LLS choices, and studying the significance ofindividual LLS (e.g. metacognitive strategy, listening strategies, etc.) havesubstantiated the empirical studies in LLS.This study aims to provide a literature review on LLS from variousperspectives-- the definition of LLS, the classification of LLS, findings of therelationship between personal factors and LLS choice, and the training in LLS.II. THE DEFINITION OF LLSLLS have been defined by several researchers (Bialystok, 1978; Tarone,1981; Weinstein & Mayer, 1986; Rubin, 1987; Chamot, 1987; O’Malley &Chamot 1990; Oxford, 1990) since the 1980s. Bialystok (1978) definedlanguage learning strategies as optional means for exploiting availableinformation to improve competence in a second language. Tarone (1981) notedthat learning strategies were attempts to develop linguistic and sociolinguisticcompetence in the target language. According to Weinstein and Mayer (1986),learning strategies had learning facilitation as a goal and were intentional on thepart of the learner. Rubin (1987) defined LLS as the action that contributed tothe development of the language system which the learner constructed andaffected learning directly. Chamot (1987) saw learning strategies as techniques,113正修通識教育學報 第四期114approaches, or deliberate actions that students took in order to facilitate thelearning and recall of both linguistic and content area information. O’Malleyand Chamot (1990) further pointed out that LLS were the special thoughts orbehaviors that individuals used to help them comprehend, learn, or retain newinformation. Oxford (1990) said that learning strategies were specific actiontaken by the learner to make learning easier, faster, more enjoyable, moreself-directed, more effective, and more transferable to new situations. In LLS study, the definition of LLS is the most basic and important issue.The definitions of Chamot (1987), O’Malley and Chamot (1990), and Oxford(1990) are similar in pointing out the embedded factors of LLS: the elements thatLLS include, and the purpose that learners use LLS for.