Ease or difficulty of learning simplified and complex Chinese characters is examined in terms of recognition and reproduction. Empirical observations and careful studies of errors in learning situations lead to the conclusion that complex characters are harder to learn. Teaching of Chinese characters therefore should proceed from simplified to…

The modal system in English is unique among verbs and constitutes a considerable learning burden for ESL learners. Problems may be reduced by careful delineation of semantic functions for individual modals and understanding of semantic coverage of perfect constructions compared to simple forms. Instruction of modal perfects is discussed. (CHK)

From the results of an experiment in which one group of foreign students of German received conventional instruction only and a second group received conventional plus some programmed instruction, it is concluded that programmed instruction is useful in the systematizing and contrastive phases of language study. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Older people who must learn a second language and adjust to a new culture may be benefically taught by using proverbs. This technique may help to break down barriers by expressing the same idea in the native and target languages and is suited to the less formally educated student. (SW)

The teaching of Greek in American high schools is summarized. Teaching materials are listed. (HP)

Reviewing 45 years of language teaching, the article discusses, anecdotally, successive methods which had their vogue: "Direct Method,""Play Way,""Limited Vocabulary,""Pattern Practice,""Situational Approach,""Communicative Competence." A balanced middle position is favored. The article warns against dogmatic attachment to unproven linguistic…

A brief discussion of a comparatively large-scale enquiry into attitudes of British students toward the language laboratory. Generally they felt it improved their speech production but had minimal effect on their writing skills. Some of the questions used in the survey are included. (AMH)

The following easy games for the German classroom are described: around Germany, map identifications, fast response, bingo, memory training, geography college bowl, find the object, descriptions, pronunciation perfection, acrostics, simple board games, art lesson, treasure hunt, and miscellaneous games. (SW)

This article traces the history of several themes in applied linguistics and to show the relationships between linguistic theory and the sciences concerned with the learning and teaching of languages. Interest in word frequency statistics is discussed in particular. (Text is in Italian.) (CFM)

Examines a Swiss experiment in second language learning before the age of ten, which indicates that pre-puberty second language learning can be successful and can improve first language skills, and that the method used is less important than the training of the teacher. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Presents a method by which the student arrives inductively at a realization of the French vowel system. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Describes the use of commercial advertisements in an exercise in semantics in the French classroom. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Individualized work in teaching English is highly desirable, and the overhead projector is particularly useful in such work. Three examples of its possibilities are given: Dialog treatment, working with basic ("kernel") texts, and comparison of the simple present, simple past and present perfect tenses. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Disadvantages of the use of language laboratories in language teaching are pointed out. Ways in which the language laboratory can be used helpfully for the student are suggested. The conclusion is drawn that for secondary schools the language laboratory has little advantage over a tape recorder used in class. (RM)

Language laboratory use has traditionally been limited to structural and phonetic exercises. This article discusses ways to tap more effectively the laboratory's potential, and thus to provide superior language instruction for the student. (Text is in French.) (DB)