This article proposes improving the use of the language lab in second language teaching by increasing the importance of actual spoken language in relation to structural exercises, which may be of an artificial nature. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

The differences between the use speakers make of a language in different areas of a country, or in one social class as opposed to another, are nowadays recognized as essential parts of a description of a language. Progress beyond the elementary stage of language acquisition requires the development of sensitivity to the appropriateness of language…

This article describes a brief course in Russian literature for sixth-form school students, designed to provide a review of A-Level texts, to stimulate interest in literature, and to develop a sense of the personal relevance of literature in the students. (CLK)

Discusses the use of language testing in determining the English structure, vocabulary and usage to be taught to immigrant teachers who want to teach in British schools. (RM)

The 100-year-old official English language study program in Japan needs to be drastically upgraded through improved teacher-training and instructional methods. (IR)

Defining stylistics as the study of all the varieties which constitute a language, the author discusses some of the concepts relative to stylistic analysis and describes the dimensions of style which the teacher must bear in mind when approaching the study of English. To be continued in a later issue. (FWB)

Finds that American English is slighted in favor of British English in German schools. Cites examples of differlng language norms which could cause misunderstandings. Finds that American usage deserves more attention because of the political and cultural importance of the United States. (IFS/WGA)

This article is concerned with the pragmatic aspects of linguistics research, i.e., the characteristics of language use such as the psychological motivations of speakers, the reactions of the hearers, and discourse analysis, insofar as they relate to second language learning. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Tape-recorded conversations provide a basis for analysis of fixed expressions, cliches, filled pauses and false starts in spontaneous speech. The meaning of these findings for second language learning and instruction is discussed. (CHK)

Fifth- and sixth-graders can learn, from the beginning, to express themselves in the foreign language. Language elements are adapted to their needs, approved by age-peers who are native speakers. School situations are listed in which the material can be used. A sample teaching sequence is given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Examined the influence of classroom learning environment on second language intrinsic motivation of young foreign language learners in a predominantly monolingual context. Results showed that a predictable learning environment, moderately challenging tasks, necessary instructional support, and evaluation that emphasized self-improvement, and…

Applied Skehan's (1998) processing perspective on language use to evaluate intermediate to advanced English-as-a-Second-Language learners' competence in telling a story based on visual prompts. The purpose was to find out how the test takers' proficiency profiles vary according to three areas of competence: accuracy, complexity, and fluency across…

Examines the extent to which Arab students rely on their first language (L1) prepositional knowledge in acquiring an understanding of prepositional usage in English. Identifies areas in which negative and positive transfer occur in the use of prepositions in English. (Author/VWL)

Using frequency findings from corpus linguistics, explores the relationship between the information presented in English-as-a-Second/Foreign-Language (ESL/EFL) materials and what is known about actual language use based on empirical studies. Three aspects of materials development for grammar instruction are discussed. (Author/VWL)

A protocol analysis of second language (L2) writing of adult speakers of Japanese, English, and Spanish observed how language switching (first language (L1) switching use in L2 writing) was affected by L2 proficiency, task difficulty, and language group. Less proficient L2 learners switched to their L1 more frequently than more advanced learners,…