This article evaluates the efficacy of explicit genre-based instruction by sensitizing the ESL learners to the concept of genre. The main questions addressed are: How does sensitizing ESL learners to the rhetorical move structure of a genre, the communicative purposes of these moves, and linguistic features that realize these moves help them to…

Discusses good translation techniques, "true bilingualism," and the effect of bilingualism on cognitive development. (Text is in French.) Available from Lloyds Bank Chambers, 91 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN, England. (AM)

This study investigates topic units and suggests some practical applications to the teaching of composition to native speakers and second language learners. A topic unit is a structural unit beyond the sentence. It is composed of clauses and consists of two parts -- a head proposition and a set of comments. The head proposition consists of the…

The initial stage of second language learning usually aims to develop the ability to converse. This conversational ability is, however, rarely the ultimate object of second language instruction. The student may want access to the literature of the culture of the second language, or to get an education in it. For these reasons, interest shifts…

Native Spanish speakers learning English as a second language, asked to mimic an American speaking Spanish with an American accent, displayed a tacit awareness of English-Spanish sound distinctions and, in particular, allophonic differences. (Author/CB)

Describes a study on the English language use of native speakers of Arabic and Japanese in three task conditions: completing a written grammar test, participating in an oral interview, and narrating a story. Results support the hypothesis that the utterances of second language learners show systematic variability related to task. (SED)

Grammar is not a four-letter word. Learning vocabulary is not a form of punishment. They are the basis of any language, and a student who wants more than a tourist's booklet of useful phrases will need to learn them sooner or later. The second edition of this popular little book takes the sting out of the exercise and even makes it a pleasant…

This paper explores the role of genre within a literacy based curriculum of the German department at Georgetown University. Recently, the department finished its 3-year implementation phase of a curriculum reform and is currently involved in the ongoing maintenance and refinement of curricular features such as writing and speaking tasks.…

Discusses the importance of genre approaches to teaching second language writing and how they complement process views by emphasizing the role of language in written communication. (Author/VWL)

Teaching materials for university-level second language learners were created with the aim of raising the learners' awareness of the rhetorical organization and salient linguistic features of essays. The teaching method relied heavily on explicit instruction and essential metalanguage. Concludes that explicit genre-based instruction with the…

Examines some distinctive differences observed between Koreans and Japanese when presenting their papers at an international conference. The differences discussed include linguistic features as well as pragmatic features. Suggests that the most important factors in writing and giving a good presentation are to have a clear idea and to organize it…

Discusses part of a large-scale survey on the oral performance of advanced French-as-a-second-language students, as represented by recorded speech. Although schwa rarely leads to semantic confusions, its analysis in word-median or monosyllabic contexts shows interesting phonostylistic variations. (Author/VWL)

Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of product, process, and genre approaches to writing in terms of their view of writing and how they see the development of writing. Argues that the three approaches are complementary, and identifies an approach that is informed by each of them. (Author/VWL)

Discusses genre theory from the perspective of rhetorical genre studies. Points to issues that should form part of the frame or theoretic context within which teachers who have experience within relevant learning contexts can select or invent appropriate strategies and approaches. (Author/VWL)

This paper examines several language learning and teaching experiences described in the literary works of Burroughs's "Tarzan of the Apes," Shakespeare's "Henry V," Scott's "The Jewel in the Crown," and Alcott's "Little Women." In all cases, the language being learned was not necessary for daily activities, yet each case demonstrates that language…