This article examines language classrooms as communicative settings for learners' development of sociolinguistic competence involving target language variation in a study abroad context. Specifically, it investigates how two Spanish teachers in Peru imparted knowledge of the social and contextual appropriateness of local linguistic variants that…

Translation has recently been revived as an approach to language learning that builds on students' linguistic repertoires, particularly in linguistically diverse classrooms. However, few studies have examined how students use translation as part of writing in an additional language. This article provides new insights based on the translation…

By looking into a group of 13 Chinese master's in business administration students' study abroad experience in the United States, this study contends that being situated in the second language (L2) communicative context does not guarantee international students complete access to language and cultural resources in the host society. Due to limited…

This paper describes a combining arrangement in which language learners work in teams and are forced to communicate with each other to obtain correct information to complete certain work. Active participation helps develop language and communication skills. Several variations on the technique are described. (CHK)

Receptive reading and aural skills, and productive or communicative skills in foreign languages are discussed. It is proposed that students should receive training in one language for productive skills, in two for aural comprehension and in other languages for a basic reading ability. (CHK)

A brief history of foreign language study in the U.S. is given and several popular language teaching theories described. Emphasizing the importance of learning communicative skills in the foreign language, various procedures for stimulating communication in the classroom are suggested. (CHK)

This study inquired into the effect of testing on foreign language learning. The main question was: Do tests of communicative proficiency, when administered in lieu of currently prevailing discrete-point item tests, further the student's spontaneous communicative ability? Discussion of results indicates uses for both types of tests. (CHK)

This study was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of communicative and noncommunicative oral language practice in beginning college French. Two groups of students were compared regarding type of oral practice. Communicative practice students were superior to noncommunicative practice students in ability to send and receive messages…

Deals with the provisional grammar known as Learner's Language that foreign language learners develop in the learning process. Data derived from observing Learner's Language have two major implications for foreign language teaching: the reordering of learning sequences, and the need for providing a full communicative context throughout the…

Argues that facility in a foreign language contributes to the nation's military capability in command, intelligence, operations, logistics, survival skills and in community and official relations. After reviewing relevant historical episodes, suggests that an effort should be made to improve U.S. military personnel language skills. (MES)

This paper comments on an article by Tracy Terrell in this journal. Terrell is praised for his contribution to the debate over teaching communication versus structure in second languages. It is pointed out, however, that study and analysis of language structures requires understanding and memorization essential to cognitive development. (CHK)

A more natural approach to second language teaching in an academic situation is suggested, as follows: (1) The view of communicative competence and language acquisition in academic learning is sketched; (2) Three basic guidelines are discussed; (3) Practical implications of these guidelines with regard to classroom teaching are noted. (CHK)

Investigated how students' perceptions of teachers' communicative style related to students' extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, examining links between these variables and various language-learning outcomes (effort, anxiety, and language competence). Students in a French immersion course completed questionnaires. Perceptions of teacher's…

Suggests having foreign language students write business letters to stimulate interest in developing writing skills. This project gives the students the opportunity of travelling abroad vicariously and to collect souvenirs while improving their communication skills in the foreign language. (CFM)