This study investigated language transfer, particularly in the realm of pragmatics, in a native Korean-speaking student of advanced Japanese. A series of tasks including a verbal report were used to elicit Japanese production and comprehension data. Results indicate that the learner drew heavily on his native language in completing the tasks, but…

Language is important in the public life of the United States because of four factors: globalization; the global diffusion of democracy and self-determination; the wave of immigration to the United States from all corners of the world; and the unique role America plays as the sole military and economic superpower. These conditions make it…

This paper considers the influence of the values and the discourse behaviors of the native-speaking assessor as interlocutor. These variables in the assessments of oral proficiency interrelate in complex ways with features of test design such as tasks, prompts, topics, guidelines, and assessor training. This paper reviews some previous studies,…

The paper considers the effects of study abroad on student second language acquisition (SLA) and suggests areas for further study. It begins with an overview of current research on study abroad, its relationship to foreign language programs, and the innovations that this growing research base holds for program development. Attention then turns to…

Second language (L2) computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is a technologically advanced method of assessment in which the computer selects and presents test items to examinees according to the estimated level of the examinee's language ability. The basic notion of an adaptive test is to mimic automatically what a wise examiner would normally do.…

The interaction patterns of eleven Spanish-speaking preschool children in two bilingual programs were observed for one year. In predominantly English-speaking classrooms, greater English proficiency was related to English use with peers. In prevalently Spanish-speaking classes, English proficiency was more related to interaction in English with…

An evaluation of a Des Moines program, in which the relationship of student background and program achievement was examined, is summarized. It was found that more instruction in English was beneficial in the first year of schooling, but had diminishing effects during the second and third years. Implications for similar programs are discussed. (MSE)

Presents a rationale and suggestions for ensuring contact between the second language learner and representatives of the target culture, in the home country as well as overseas. (AM)

Suggestions are offered for improving the conditions under which English is taught in secondary schools in France. Scheduling, class size, in-service training needs, and teaching methods are treated. The importance of test-oriented instruction in determining students' language proficiency is discussed. (JB)

Discusses requirements for the new People's University Certificate in English and finds improvement in the more precise statement of learning goals and system of course offerings and in the treatment of such items as "language appropriateness,""spontaneous language skills" and area studies. (IFS/WGA)

Documents the strong connection existing between language and industry, in terms of both language and cultural proficiency. Outlines the corollaries of this connection for language learning and applied linguistics and traces the developments in perceptions of the importance of language education. (37 references) (Author/CK)

Argues that learner attitudes and motivation are equally important for the improvement of students' proficiency in a second language. Used pre- and post-test results in the Use of English course at a university in Nigeria. (Author/VWL)

Presents findings of an intervention designed to examine the effects of affective strategy instruction on measures of second language (L2) proficiency and self-efficacy. One group of adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners received affective strategy training; a second served as a comparison group. Data from self-report questionnaires and…

Examines lexical interference from the perspective of language proficiency in a study of Iranian English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners. Subjects were given two tests--a proficiency test and a test on similar lexical forms--to investigate whether there is any relationship between the two variables in question. Results indicate that there is a…

Presents a case study that used mystery stories to help English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students develop their linguistic competence and reading skills. Instruction focuses on the symbolism used in both stories and the characterization of the major protagonists with the view to encourage discussion among students. Results suggest that literary…