The chapter presents the theory of interactive alignment and primarily focuses on the alignment of linguistic representations underlying the utterances that each speaker contributes to the dialogue.Such representations enable interlocutors to formulate phrases, words, or gestures that move the dialogue forward. We also consider two dimensions of alignment (focal vs. global, and linguistic vs. dialogue model) and how alignment relates to reference and the role of dialogue routines in support of alignment.

The chapter shows how interlocutors achieve alignment of dialogue models -- that is, both situation models and dialogue game models. Such alignment is the basis of successful dialogue. We discuss the importance of co-reference for alignment of situation models. We then consider the role of meta-representation of aiignment in dialogue and how this controls what people choose to say next. We consider the relationship between focal alignment of dialogue models and what is in the shared workspace. Finally, we discuss the relationship between alignment and common ground.

The majority of the world’s population is believed to speak more than one language. Moreover, given current demographic trends, older adults make up a significant portion of our population. In this chapter, we review what is known about the intersection between cognitive aging and language processing in one’s first and second language. We review current research findings concerning speech and language processing in older bilinguals at the level of words, sentences, and discourse. We review the implications of being bilingual for nonlinguistic cognitive functions and cognitive reserve. We close by highlighting the need for models of auditory and visual language processing to accommodate age-related changes in sensation, perception and cognition, and to account for important individual differences in language history and use.