Describes the Chinese-language program at Portland State University. Elements of this program include newspaper and classical courses; textbooks from China, Taiwan, and English-speaking countries; the use of characters on the first day; and a diverse student body. The university's goal is to make a solid Chinese education available to anyone in…

There are relatively clear definitions of what is meant by authenticity in relation to language-teaching materials and texts; there is much less agreement about what constitutes authenticity of context and of task activity. Article explores different notions of authenticity in language classroom. A crucial point often overlooked is that the…

This research has been done to find out the factors influencing the students' successes in learning a foreign language (English). In other words; the effects of the methods and techniques, used by the teachers on the staff to teach the chosen foreign language, on the students' success. The main aim of this study to make the foreign language…

A pilot course in mastery learning in a survey course in English literature at the Beirut University College is described. The course was designed to increase the retention of knowledge and skills of students of another culture, utilizing the lecture-discussion method and the mastery learning concepts. (Author/RM)

A discussion focusing on whether American Sign Language (ASL) should be accepted in fulfillment of university foreign language requirements attempts to dispel misconceptions about the language; and to show that ASL can provide the same benefits as the study of more traditional foreign languages, including the opportunity to communicate in another…

The cognitive approach to language learning has a definite influence on syllabus design. The spiral approach is suggested for the presentation and gradation of materials. Grammatical or formal criteria are preferred to semantic or notional ones for selection and arrangement of materials. See FL 507 969 for availability information. (TL)

Understanding the inputs to syllabus design makes for practical and relevant syllabus planning. This article summarizes an attempt to combine the concept of register in language, as a basis for selecting authentic language material, with what is known about the learner's contribution to the acquisition of the target language. (CLK)

The article argues that Old Saxon, rather than Gothic or Old High German, should be studied in graduate German departments. The view presented is that Old Saxon is not as difficult, the costs involved are less, and the literary rewards are greater. Suggestions for an appropriate textbook and curriculum placement for an Old Saxon course are given.…

Points out new directions of translation courses since the abolishment of foreign language requirements in many U.S. colleges. Describes the objectives, teaching methods, materials, problems and evaluation of an experimental course entitled "The Art of Translation." (TL)

The design of language courses for college students with little previous study of languages is discussed. Language courses for students preparing for professions other than the teaching of a foreign language are outlined for each instructional level. Suggestions are made for increasing public awareness of foreign language study. (SW)

A model for second language teachers includes the definition of basic content for all students, diagnosis, and a series of reinforcement and enrichment activities. Variation of the basic model are applied to three levels of instruction. (Author/SW)

The purpose of this article is to discuss the inseparable relation between culture and language and the implementation of instructional strategies for teaching second language through culture to enhance students' linguistic comprehension. Language is not only the product of culture, but also is the symbol of culture (Gleason, 1961). Culture must…

Increasingly, adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners have access to computers, whether it is in a language lab once or twice a week or in the classroom. This report provides an overview of the types of ESL software and includes guidelines for the appropriate use of software in the adult ESL classroom. Individual sections address the…

Notes that although the popularity of Spanish as a foreign language has increased in Yugoslavia, little attention has been paid to Spanish teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching or to their continuous education. Presents a survey of teacher attitudes regarding curriculum and teaching methods. Results indicate that the teaching staff…

Argues that intensive and extensive reading are needed in an English for Academic Purposes reading curriculum to prepare students for the task and texts they will encounter in college. Notes that a principled curricular approach in combining both is through Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), which allows students to acquire relevant skills and…