Examines the situation of language teaching and international studies in the United States, and makes projections for the future. (AM)

Articles on encouraging growth in foreign language study focus on the following: "Encouraging the Growth of Foreign Language Study"; "Creating Intrinsic Motivation to Learn World Languages"; "Encouraging Growth by Changing Perception"; "Making the Link Between Enrollment and Learning Goals: A School District's Impact"; "Foreign Language Education:…

Discusses experiences over 6 years as the chair of an all-inclusive modern language department in a large, comprehensive public university. One of the most pressing issues faced during the period has been how to respond to the enrollment-driven formulas forced by the university. (Author/VWL)

Looks at the link between government needs for language capacity and the availability of languages in formal education. Suggests that despite previous links between education and defense and the availability of federal funding to subsidize languages in schools, the predominant pattern of language enrollment appears to be in response to domestic…

Suggestions are made of ways for colleges and universities to bolster enrollments by actively calling attention to their language programs. The intended audiences are high school students and teachers and students already in college. (RM)

Discusses the problem of British students (1) not electing foreign language courses and (2) electing the courses, but dropping out after a year or two. Examines some reasons that more girls than boys study languages. Questions whether the 16+ examination system might be discouraging students from language study. (EKN)

The practical role of foreign language study in affording students an understanding of their own language, entering college, and getting employment is shown. It is argued that foreign languages are a necessary and integral part of any curriculum. (Author/CM)

Examines the plight of the overloaded secondary school foreign language teacher, with examples taken from Indiana statistics, and suggests that the attention of textbook writers and professional organizations be directed toward helping these teachers. (AM)

Examines why boys do not study languages in Australia. Focuses on what boys themselves are thinking and what their perceptions of their relationship with languages are. Looks at boys specific attitudes toward language learning, what they perceive to be the relevance of language learning, and what their perceptions are of the profile of language in…

This commentary on language curricula in universities is followed up commentaries by a language center director, on perspectives from a Spanish department, the case of Japanese, the role of foreign languages in universities, and foreign language enrollment numbers. (VWL)

Shows how the language laboratory can become a primary point of convergence for the foreign language department. Discusses how the language laboratory at one college gained momentum as a support for collaborative learning, curricular reform, and study abroad, resulting in greater visibility for the foreign language department on campus and…

This paper highlights the problem of falling recruitment to foreign language (FL) degrees in higher education (HE), outlining some of the recent changes in secondary FL education which have contributed in part to this situation. It draws attention to the lack of research into the impact that the fall in numbers of students taking a foreign…

To reverse trends toward reductions in the number of foreign language teaching positions, it is necessary to change the negative image associated with foreign languages and to try to attract more students. A four-point selling program is suggested. (Author/RM)

Trends in foreign language study in American colleges since 1955 are outlined, and the role of foreign language study in its present context is described. (RM)

Factors contributing to the renaissance of Italian and the goals of students who study the language are discussed. Alternatives to rote learning in the classroom and ways to generate interest in Italian in the community are suggested. (SW)