Describes, adducting many examples, the external relative clause, discussing it from the pedagogical standpoint. This type of clause, belonging to normal speech, and not being merely a stylistic matter, belongs in the basic course. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This discussion of student output concentrates on reasons for learner's errors, types of errors, and some techniques for correcting them. An error is defined as an unintentional deviation from an expected pattern, which could be a linguistic form, a phonological or a grammatical rule, or an incorrect form or expression in a particular situation.…

Usage of the German "doch" is explained as an aid to teaching. (CHK)

Shows that using the German "tust du malen?" to teach the English construction "do you (paint, etc.)?" is wrong; the construction can also mean "are you painting?" So "tust du --?" fits only those English verbs which never use progressive tense forms. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This digest focuses on the application of discourse analysis to second language teaching and learning. It provides examples of how teachers can improve their teaching practices by investigating actual language use both in and out of the classroom, and how students can learn language through exposure to different types of discourse. (VWL)

This study investigated the extent to which foreign words have become assimilated into the Japanese lexicon during the decade of the 1990s. Since the 1980s, a number of linguists and educators have argued that the rate of loan word absorption into Japanese has increased dramatically. However, most of the studies are speculative or anecdotal. This…

Part of a continued series. (SK)

Lists the Spanish verbs most frequently used, in order of frequency. (NCR)

Answering the question "How does pragmadidactics compare with traditional teaching?," the article discusses the "success criterion," i.e., judging successful communication as opposed to language correctness. Considers also the concept of a functional learner's grammar, "idiomatic language," and pragmadidactic…

Considers two aspects of contemporary Russian language usage: (1) synonymity of prepositions, and (2) semantic and stylistic differences arising when certain verbs govern nouns in different cases. Material is excerpted from "Stilistik der russischen Sprache" (Russian Language Style) by Rosental and M. Telenkowa. (Text is in German.) (FB)

Argues that the study of contact varieties of a language are relevant to understanding of second language acquisition and use, because non-canonical contact languages are often situated on a continuum between pidginization and the more general processes of untutored second language acquisition. Data on participle regularization in Namibian Black…

Presents an interview of Sandra Thompson on various topics relating to the Chinese language. The interview touches on conversational data on Chinese, the lack of morphological complexity in Mandarin Chinese, and the development of Chinese functionalism. (12 references) (CK)

Brings language use and identity together in a critical reading of recent modern language and intercultural communication literatures. Alternative readings legitimize the dual idea of languages and linguists as agents that mark and are marked. Suggests that for identify to be agentic in character, power has to be acknowledged, struggled with, and…

Examines the use of dictionaries by second-language students and teachers, focusing on the problems that students have in using bilingual dictionaries, such as finding culture-specific expressions, technical language, abbreviations, idioms, and proper names. Recommendations are offered for teachers to help students overcome these difficulties. (14…