This article draws on argument-based validation to gather and evaluate construct-related evidence (i.e., the explanation inference) of a high-stakes test. The data stemmed from the listening component of a French test used for immigration to Canada through the province of Quebec. An expert panel with varied backgrounds in applied linguistics…

This article puts forth new ways of thinking about "becoming multilingual" in transnational and contemporary times by investigating the significance of multilingualism for multilingual student teachers enrolled in French language teacher education programs within the provinces of Alberta and Ontario. As more diversity is present in…

This article focuses on the differential emotional power of languages in the book-reading practices of plurilingual readers. Within a plurilingual perspective, it aims at adding nuance to the "emotional contexts of learning hypothesis" and the "theory of language embodiment". This qualitative study is based on semi-structured…

The contributions of the originator of the Natural Approach to second-language learning are described. (Author/LB)

Reports on research into the validity of the theory of interlanguage, based on evidence of interference of the native language in Dutch students of French. (AM)

This bibliography contains recent Canadian publications, most dated since 1990, related to the teaching of English and French as second languages. It includes curriculum materials such as language practice materials and readers, as well as professional publications, such as books, research reports, and curriculum guidelines. (85 references)…

Discusses the language laboratory within the context of various theories of second language learning and in relation to its value in language learning, specifically in terms of the pattern drill. (Text is in French.) (AM)

The phenomenon of lexical neology and its applications in second-language instruction are discussed. A study of feminization of titles in the Canadian maritime provinces is reported, and teaching materials based on those observations are suggested, aimed at enabling college-level language learners to understand the phenomenon and its practical…

In response to a published study of second-language input processing and processing instruction, a relatively new concept in language teaching, misinterpretations of theoretical and conceptual issues are pointed out and methodological concerns about the study are discussed. (MSE)

Examines when and how much the target language (TL) should be used in second language and foreign language teaching and why. Agrees with the view that second and foreign language teachers should maximize their use of the TL, and argues that doing so benefits students' TL proficiency. Highlights disadvantages when teachers rely too heavily on the…

Contrastive analysis has an important role to play in the contemporary second-language classroom. It will move more and more into a domain of analysis that will focus on the underlying conceptual systems of the native language and target language. (Contains 48 references.) (LB)

Terrell's Natural Approach to second-language learning is examined in terms of the degree of acceptance or rejection of his pedagogic views since they were first presented in 1977. Among the issues discussed are his attitudes toward grammar, error correction, and the evolution of educational materials and classroom practices. (205 references)…

It is proposed that, although lexical derivation has received some attention among linguists, little interest is shown in its pedagogical implications. Hypotheses about the mechanisms of derivation are outlined, current pedagogical applications are described, and further practical suggestions are made, using examples from English, French, and…

A comparison of three models of language learning: the Creative Construction Hypothesis, the Interlanguage Hypothesis and The Approximate Systems Model. Evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that the third model which incorporates both functional and linguistic analysis describes second language learning and explains why learners progress…

In communicative language teaching, one has to deal with both pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic components of language. Too often, learners overlook the cultural inferences of a sentence. One has to favor a cultural verification phase because it is the cultural context that imparts meaning to an event and enables mastery of a discursive process.…