Since 1958, the Modern Language Association (MLA), with the continuous support of the United States Department of Education, has gathered and analyzed data on undergraduate and graduate course enrollments in languages other than English in United States colleges and universities. The previous survey examined language enrollments in fall 2006; here…

Four aspects of the problem of retention of students in foreign language programs are discussed. (1) "Retention and Dropout: The National Situation," by K. E. Muller, describes a survey of retention rates in a sample of colleges and universities; (2) "Retention and Dropout: Some Remarks on One Department's Experience," by F. Valette, reflects on…

Reports on the fall 1983 survey of foreign language registration in U.S. institutions of higher education. There was a total of 966,013 foreign language registrations--an increase of 4.5 percent since the last published report. The six leading languages were Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Latin. (SED)

Reports on and presents results of 1980 MLA enrollment survey of foreign language registration in U.S. institutions of higher education. Results show only slight drop from fall 1977 report. Six leading languages are Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Russian. Survey shows considerable growth in less commonly taught languages. (Author/BK)

Reports on comprehensive study undertaken by the MLA to review foreign language programs in two-year colleges and formulate objectives and recommendations. Three stages of project were informal survey, one-day workshops to discuss ways in which language teaching profession could strengthen two-year college enterprise, and meeting of leaders in…

Discusses the United States' significant need for communicative competence in other languages and relevant problems with the higher education system. Addresses the lack of student interest, structural problems, the foreign language mission, institutional challenges and strategies, inter-institutional collaboration, and technology. (EV)

Attempts to explain the high rate of student attrition in first-year language courses. The author gained insight into the problem when he enrolled in a Chinese course, which he eventually dropped because of lack of incentive. He concludes that awareness of the need for language learning will curb attrition rates. (Author/PJM)

Reports results of the Modern Language Association's survey of foreign language enrollment in colleges and universities across the United States. Questionnaires were sent to registrars of 2,836 2- and 4-year institutions, soliciting information on credit-bearing registrations for fall 1998 registration in all language courses other than English.…

Describes the intensive French program at Western Maryland College. Concludes that the program has helped to reverse some of the dwindling enrollments in French. (EKN)

Describes the intensive German program at North Texas State University. Shows how the intensive course model may be adapted to tight budgets. (EKN)

Discusses why most colleges have dropped a foreign language requirement and what should be done to reestablish and solidify the place of second language programs in a required curriculum. (EKN)

Reports a survey of postsecondary institutions in the United States. Questionnaires were sent to foreign language departments. A 79 percent response indicated that 60.1 percent of all enrollments were in elementary courses. Information reported concerns languages offered in various types of institutions, institutional factors affecting enrollment,…

This article focuses on the paucity of resources usually designated for rising numbers of students in Spanish courses as enrollments dwindle in other languages. Offers advice on how the strength of Spanish can be deployed to help other languages. (Author/VWL)

Charts present information regarding college students' enrollment in modern foreign language classes and programs, based on a survey indicating that enrollment has increased and that the most commonly taught languages were Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Latin. (CB)

Reports on an investigation of enrollment of minority groups, primarily Black, in foreign language programs at Indiana University. Provides statistics from 1974 to 1976 comparing enrollment figures for minority and nonminority students and correlates high school scores and college admission measures with participation and success in the study of…