Discusses the suitability of functional syllabuses as a basis for general course design, and means whereby functionally oriented materials may be integrated within existing language programs. (Author/AM)

A thorough revision of present syllabus-design practices is necessary to achieve the goal of enabling the learner to use the target language with relative fluency in simulated speech transactions. Four new orientations are suggested that lead more directly to language use than do monolithic and paradigm-oriented linguistic features. (Author/RM)

Explores various aspects of the functional-notional textbook or syllabus. This is a concept originating with the Council of Europe that involves the organization of a textbook or syllabus according to the notions or functions that a learner hopes to be able to express. (RM)

This volume consists of six papers. "Harold Pinter's 'The Birthday Party': A Language Problem in the Teaching of Literature," by J. McDonough, examines the area of overlap between the style of Pinter and the teaching of literature to foreign undergraduate students of English. "Linguistic and Psychological Background to Sequencing of Initial…