Examines Heinrich Schliemann's method of acquiring a second language primarily by means of conscious learning. It is revealed that Schliemann probably obtained a great deal of comprehensible input in English. (nine references) (GLR)

Presents Dr. Kato Lomb's conclusions about language acquisition, which agree with current theory: comprehensible input is central; grammar plays a peripheral role in language development. (Author/CK)

Focuses on two aspects of contextual engagement in relation to second language learning--communicative contexts and learning contexts. Suggests that learning contexts are flawed in respect to the needs of the initial language learner and they need to be refashioned to enable language learners to exploit contextual cues for intake and take…

Discusses the comprehensible output (CO) hypothesis, which states that we acquire language when we attempt to transmit a message to a conversation partner, fail, try again, and eventually arrive at the correct form of the utterance. Examines weaknesses of the CO hypothesis in second language acquisition, suggesting that providing more…

Explored effects of interactional feedback on children's second language (L2) development in a prettest/posttest design. Child learners carried out communicative tasks that provided contexts for targeted forms and interactional feedback to occur. An experimental group received interactional feedback in response to non-targetlike production of…

Conducted a survey of college French as a foreign language students' reactions to narrow listening, the repeated listening of tape-recorded interviews of proficient speakers discussing a topic both familiar and interesting to the acquirers, and their assessment of its impact on their language development. Students found narrow listening to be…