The status of foreign language instruction in American education is the focus of the introductory remarks in this paper. The role of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages; current enrollment trends in language programs; and trends in teaching methods, teacher education, and the job market are briefly examined. A prognosis of…

This paper is designed to pinpoint the problems facing the teaching of foreign languages and suggests strategies that can be used in meeting these problems. The problems facing the profession have been assessed by observing foreign language teachers in the classroom and in conversations with them. Problems include the varying rate at which…

A REPORT ON THE HISTORY OF FRENCH TEACHING IN THE UNITED STATES MAKES US AWARE OF THE GROWTH OF INTEREST IN MODERN LANGUAGE STUDY WHILE FOCUSING SPECIFICALLY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRENCH INSTRUCTION. THE CONSEQUENT STUDY OF FRENCH IS TRACED IN THE OPENING CHAPTER WITH A BRIEF PICTURE OF THE TIES BETWEEN FRANCE AND THE AMERICAN COLONIES.…

This article, in the form of an interview, deals with the status and expected future of foreign language programs in the nations schools and colleges, and in particular, Virginia's. Despite hearsay, enrollment in foreign language has remained fairly constant in Virginia high schools. French and Spanish have the highest enrollments, followed by…

Describes the implementation of a first-year comprehension-based Spanish language program at New Mexico State University. Includes a discussion of the history of the program and of the problems encountered in changing a traditional curriculum. Also describes the materials, classroom practice, and testing and evaluation techniques used in the…

Statistics indicate a growing interest in the study of Latin across the country. In elementary and secondary schools, it is taught as an end in itself and as a means of improving the English language skills and the linguistic background of Hispanic students. The American Classical League supports this revival. (PMJ)

Two papers describe two aspects of French foreign language instruction in West Germany. The first, "L'enseignement du francais en Republique Federale d'Allemagne" by Abel, deals with the institutional framework for French instruction in West Germany. A discussion of the instructional situation looks first at the history of French…

This paper provides a survey of the field of the teaching of Portuguese as of 1969 based on material gathered by the author for the Luso-Brazilian Studies Survey. A general increase in enrollment and in the number of institutions teaching Portuguese on all levels of education is noted. Nineteen elementary schools, 44 high schools and an estimated…

The German department of the University of California at Berkeley initiated this year a new series of programs for beginning and intermediate students, partially in response to the abolition of the foreign language requirement. This report describes the four options called: (1) the Basic Course, (2) the Intensive Course, (3) the Course Emphasizing…

Focuses on foreign language teaching in higher education in China. Topics include political difficulties resulting from the Cultural Revolution, the return of the first group of foreign teachers to China in 1977, and current foreign language programs. Although foreign language teaching in China is advancing, better teachers and equipment are…

This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of a residential colloquium concerning modern languages for the 1980's, attended by 70 representatives of various sectors and levels of the educational system. The colloquium was a response to widespread concern about the crisis in language learning in the United Kingdom. The colloquium…

This report, based on the findings of the report of the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies, outlines recommendations, remedies, and proposals of measures to counteract foreign language illiteracy. The discussion is divided into seven sections: (1) some of the commission's recommendations that pertain to high…

Presents some of the factors responsible for increased foreign language enrollments at one university. (AM)

A discussion of Chinese instruction in a Bordeaux lycee. Specific questions addressed are: enrollment; reasons for studying Chinese; the study of the written and spoken language; the need for an appropriate textbook; teaching culture; and the need to organize Chinese as a regular course in the curriculum. (AMH)

This is a summary of a roundtable on Chinese language teaching which focused on the history and present status of Chinese programs at institutions represented by the discussants. Discussion centered around the following points: (1) types of students taking Chinese; (2) methodology; (3) enrollment; and (4) career opportunities. A paper is also…