This paper focuses on the difficulties of learners of Japanese as a second language from non-kanji backgrounds and the special difficulties they encounter in trying to learn the kanji writing system. It is asserted that most teachers of Japanese as a second language do not spend enough time on kanji teaching, with the students typically forced to…

Overviews the use of the Internet in second-language instruction with special attention given to learning, teaching, research, and assessing and using the Net. (77 references) (CK)

Examines and compares five available computer programs intended for self-instruction in Italian, focusing on their attention to learning strategies and personalized learning pace. Content, format, and other features of each are noted. General issues discussed include overall organization, cultural content, sequencing, exercise types, and ancillary…

Students of English as a second language at a French engineering college participated in an experimental program which allotted to independent study a portion of the time previously given over to classroom instruction. Spoken language was emphasized in this self-instructional component. The program, which was new at the time of publication, is…

Within the CRAPEL autonomous learning scheme, modular material is being developed for communicative oral expression. The purpose of this material is twofold: (1) to enable the learner to define his or her own needs in communicative terms, that is, to analyse a situation in terms of communicative acts needed in a given situation, the relationships…

This brief examination of innovative foreign language programs in Wisconsin high schools begins with descriptions of the varied use and design of the language laboratory in three schools to increase self pacing, eliminate waste of time, and allow for tapes that supplement rather than repeat textbook material. Also described are (1) a course in…

This is the final report describing a supervised program of self-instruction in critical languages at the undergraduate level. The project was begun at a single college in 1963, was expanded to a statewide basis in 1966, and was again enlarged to run on a national basis in 1969. In 1971-72, over 1,000 students were enrolled in these programs at…

Describes a learning system developed at Wirral Metropolitan College (UK) for self-access language provision, linked to a competence accreditation scheme. The competency-based approach is suited to languages because it offers a measure of built-in accountability. Flexible workshop provision is an effective means of delivering languages to a broad…

The 1984 issue of the journal on second language teaching and learning contains five articles in French and two in English. These include the following: "Enseignement individuel vs. enseignement de masse (Individual Instruction vs. Large Group Instruction)" (Jacqueline Billant, Pascal Fade); "Systemes 'autonomisants' d'apprentissage des langues…

A PROGRAM WAS BEGUN IN AUGUST 1967 TO TEACH MANDARIN CHINESE IN TWO TUCSON, ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOLS. IT WAS FELT THAT SUCH CHINESE LANGUAGE CLASSES WOULD BECOME A COMPETITIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL HIGH SCHOOL LANGUAGE OFFERINGS ONLY IF THESE PIONEERING CLASSES PROVED VERY SUCCESSFUL. IN ANALYZING THE BACKGROUND OF THE 42 STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE…

This basic textbook for French contains 10 units. The text is adaptable for use in an academic institution (Completion time is expected to be one year.), in an intensive program (Completion time is about 90-120 hours.), or in independent study. The vocabulary is limited and only basic, essential, grammatical structures are included. Although…

This three-month project utilized commercially prepared programed materials in French, German, and Spanish instruction for eighth graders selected for high language aptitude and above average ability. Interviews with participating students made after the completion of the project are the basis of the project evaluation which includes…

This report contains 10 chapters, each of which deals with a particular Romanian grammatical category and exercises. The texts are intended for use by the continuing student with some knowledge of basic Romanian. Areas covered include determiners, intonation and stress, verb conjugation, prepostions, possessive and dative cases, pronouns, syntax,…

This is the second text in a series of Mandarin Chinese learning texts. It continues with the theme of learning to communicate in various forms, especially with time and location, and the hanzi writing system is introduced. An MP3 file accompanies this book. Contents include: (1) Acknowledgments; (2) Introduction; (3) Unit Three, Time When:…

This is the third text in a series of Mandarin Chinese learning texts. It continues with the theme of learning to communicate in various forms, emphasizing in this text on going to and coming from places. Contents include: (1) Acknowledgments; (2) Introduction; (3) Unit Four, Going Places and Doing Things; (4) Appendices; and (5) Introduction to…