Given the growing importance of English as a lingua franca, this study examines which context (classroom instruction in the students' home country vs. studying abroad in an English-speaking country) better facilitates the acquisition of English by learners of different ages: children, adolescents and adults. Participants (N = 197) completed…

This study investigates the differential effects of two learning contexts, formal instruction (FI) at home and a study abroad period (SA), on the oral production skills of advanced-level Catalan-Spanish undergraduate learners of English. Speech samples elicited through an interview at three data collection times over a 2-year period were…

Research on the effectiveness of short-term study-abroad (SA) programs for improving oral skills has shown mixed results. In this study, 24 L2 German learners (L1 English) provided pre- and post-SA speech samples addressing a hypothetical situation and completed surveys on cross-cultural interest and adaptability; L2 communication affect,…

This article discusses the reality and benefits of language study programs in the Soviet Union for American students as compared to the expectations of teachers and students. Specific problems concern the areas of phonetics, grammar and conversation. (CLK)

This article discusses the factors related to successful achievement on advanced placement tests in French, and reports evidence showing that students with a bilingual home environment or having lived abroad, do better than students simply exposed to language instruction in American schools. (CLK)

The admirable ideal of "total" immersion in a foreign culture privileges students who plan early on for foreign study, establish early language fluency and elect majors and activities that make it easier to leave campus. Other students often find that they lack the language skills to qualify for many foreign programs or are unable to reconcile…

Language qualifications and graduates are likely to be in demand in the 1990s and in the future. In response to this demand, this book provides information and advice to sixth formers (British students aged 16 or more) who wish to extend their study of languages and to equip themselves with marketable linguistic skills. The book will also provide…

This report presents the findings of a survey carried out in 1970 on nearly 200 degree students in England and Wales studying German as their main subject. The objectives of the survey were to: (1) determine the ranges of language proficiency attained by British graduates in German at various universities and other colleges; (2) interpret these…