An examination of studies concerning the functional organization of languages in the bilingual brain discusses several variables. Factors that may contribute to the organization of language include age, language proficiency, literacy, reading skills, type of script, language specific factors, social acculturation, teaching method, and style. (CJ)

Reports on a study of the relationship of English phonological variation to intelligibility for adult second language learners of English. Indicates that learners tested on their ability to understand working-class (New Yorkese), educated (Standard English), and Foreign-accented speakers of English found the standard more intelligible than the…

Characterizes the intermediate second language learner, taking into account the Gestalt nature of language. (HOD)

Two aspects of a study of the problems hearing people have in acquiring British Sign Language (BSL) are described: (1) the measurement of current skills in BSL of professionals in the field, and (2) current training programs in BSL in the United Kingdom and results of some controlled teaching situations. (Author/PJM)

Presents the results of three studies that support the hypothesis that there are two types of proficiency in second language learning, "compartmentalized control" and "integrated control." Relevance to the Monitor Model and a method of teaching for integration are discussed. (Author/AM)

Discusses the value of existing models of minimal language competencies, and makes suggestions for their improvement and use. (AM)

This article discusses the problems involved in insisting upon oral proficiency in language instruction, to the detriment of other language skills. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

This article constitutes a response challenging Balesdent's article which claimed that insistence on oral proficiency in language instruction is doomed to failure. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Concerns research undertaken to assess the role of intelligence, as measured by standardized, group I.Q. tests, in the acquisition of a second language. Reading and language usage tests correlated with I.Q. level; tests of listening comprehension and interpersonal communication did not for anglophone students learning French. (Author/POP)

This article states that affective learning is important to prevent boredom and stimulate language use. Use of affective learning activities in the language classroom is outlined and a teaching technique, the open-ended sentence is described as a method that elicits responses charged with personal opinions, feelings and humor. (CHK)

Cloze tests are valid, reliable second language proficiency tests. This paper discusses the construction, administration, scoring and interpretation of cloze tests of overall language proficiency. Other uses of the cloze in ESL are mentioned. Finally an explanation of the cognitive processes in doing cloze tasks is offered. (CHK)

This study investigated the interrater reliability of proficiency-level judgments of graduate student trainee raters on oral proficiency interviews (OPIs). Trainees' ratings were compared with the judgments of a certified American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) tester for 150 interviews. (Author/JL)

This pilot study shows that the use of Internet resources is a meaningful way to integrate language and culture and to provide opportunities for students to learn about the target culture while using e-mail to discuss cultural aspects with native speakers. Results of the study showed that e-mail increased students' interest and motivation.…

Assessing academic abilities in the Indian educational context is closely linked with proficiency in writing. This article discusses ways to help learners produce self-contained compositions in English. This involves teaching them to link and develop information, ideas, or arguments in logical sequences. (Author/VWL)

Reports on a large-scale longitudinal study into the development of language proficiency of Dutch primary school children aged 7-10. Data on language proficiency and a range of background variables were analyzed. Results suggest that while immigrant children develop their language skill in Dutch considerably over 2 years, they are nonetheless…