MUCH OF THE DEFICIENCY IN PRONUNCIATION INSTRUCTION IS DUE TO EXCLUSIVE RELIANCE ON THE EAR AS A GUIDE FOR THE CORRECT RECOGNITION AND PRODUCTION OF FOREIGN SOUNDS. THE CORRECT ARTICULATION OF GERMAN DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON ANTICIPATORY ACTION OF THE LIPS AND JAWS (VOWEL ANTICIPATION), AND MUST BE IMPARTED BY VISUAL DEMONSTRATION AND IMITATION OF…

After briefly discussing the causes and meaning of laughter, the phenomenon of the comic, the value of humor, and the difference between cruelty and "mellow" humor, the article examines the role of humor in the language class. It concludes that humor, meeting the highest standards, both textual and pictorial, provides a valuable motivational…

This article discusses the problem of the relationship between scientific theory and teaching practice, between the linguist and the language teacher. Language instruction attempts more and more to approximate the mother tongue acquisition process, but the two processes remain distinct. However, good second language pedagogy will lead to…

The existence of a state of consciousness attained through transcendental meditation and characterized by specific qualities that would facilitate the acquisition of language is proposed. This theory is supported by analogies between certain conceptualizations of quantum physics and various aspects of transcendental meditation. Comparisons are…

This paper describes the "euphemistic lexicographical technique," which is recommended for use by lexicographers for the frank recording of vulgar speech. This is a monodirectional technique to be used in bilingual dictionaries prepared for speakers of only one of the two languages. The vulgar words will not appear in the source language…

Throughout the fifties and sixties the methodology of second-language teaching underwent a radical change in response to new communication needs, and under the influence of structural linguistics and behavioral psychology. Unfortunately, the effort did not produce all of the results expected, and this probably for two reasons: on the one hand, it…

A basic issue in second language (L2) teaching is whether the learner's first language (L1) should be used in the process. Differing views of language teaching authorities and various experiments carried out to test the use of translation in foreign language teaching are presented briefly. The author's experiment, involving teaching two groups of…

The author looks at programmed learning in foreign languages from outside the university, from outside formal education, and from outside foreign language instruction itself. He examines it as a corporation executive would, asking whether this means of instruction can develop the skills his employee needs in a foreign country and whether it can do…

This study discusses problems involved in an attempt to define the minimum level of foreign language competence. That level, defined as the "threshold level," is considered to be the lowest learning objective in the framework of a unit/credit system. The criteria suggested in this paper to determine the threshold level of linguistic competence in…

The persistent problems in foreign language testing are considered under four headings: (1) validity, (2) scope, (3) efficiency, and (4) the problem of how tests relate to the wider context of instruction. The first consists of insuring that the measurements and assessments obtained reflect what they are intended to reflect. The problem of scope…

The principal aims of this symposium were to examine how the teaching of grammar could be brought up to date, to define the role of linguistics in teacher training and in the classroom, and to determine the extent to which grammar is a genuine aid to the learning and teaching of modern languages. The report contains the following information: (1)…

Correct spelling, punctuation marks, and spelling accents must be taught in the beginning Spanish course. Accent marks make a difference in the interpretation of the written word. Rules govern the placing of exclamation and question marks and make up an integral part of written Spanish. Teachers have a duty and a responsibility to teach these…

Aural comprehension is analyzed and seen as active, not passive. A catalog of interference factors leads to a catalog of learning objectives. These have primacy over questions of method. Hence media must be examined with respect to attainment of learning objectives. Lab work is especially useful here. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

In the university French program discussed here, students paraphrase literary passages. The analysis of their errors is used to measure their language competence and to indicate the level of language instruction needed. (Text is in French.) (MS)

It is shown that a sentence spoken in a foreign language (here, English), though grammatically and lexically correct, may not evoke the proper reaction, because of incorrect intonation. Teaching texts have neglected this field. Some suggestions are given for avoiding misunderstandings caused by faulty intonation. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)