This study investigated 14 English speakers' interlanguage constructions using the Chinese perfective aspect and the sentence-final modal particle. The results show that although the surface forms of the perfective aspect "-le" and the sentence-final "le" are identical, they are learned differently, with the perfective aspect…

The development, implementation, and evaluation of a semidirect test of oral proficiency, the Rhetorical Task Examination (RTE), is reported. The RTE proposes a compromise approach to rating oral skills by having two scales: one for the functional ability for accomplishing rhetorical tasks and one for linguistic competence. (34 references)…

Reviews research that sheds light on the comparability of Oral Proficiency Interview and the Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview. Suggestions are provided for further research. (16 references) (VWL)

Argues that the classroom is not a natural language-acquisition environment; therefore, holistic approaches (immersion, content-based instruction, etc.) produce linguistic dysfunctional bilinguals. The Two-Cone model of direct, focused, step-by-step language teaching, integration, and use is briefly described. (12 references) (GLR)

Examination of oral proficiency interview discourse suggests that the extent of interviewer accommodation is an overlooked criterion for gauging the authenticity of the interview as simulated conversational interaction and that misplaced accommodation could threaten interview validity and the rating process. (61 references) (Author/CB)

Discusses both Canale's and Bachman's theoretical frameworks of language proficiency (LP). These theories share the same standpoint: language use for communication is dynamic; LP is both knowledge and skills; and LP includes at least grammatical competence, discourse/textual competence, and sociolinguistic competence. (Contains 38 references.) (JP)

Describes a study of listener reactions toward the oral language of nonnative English speakers. The potential for discreditation of such speakers by the listener and the need to emphasize oral language in the classroom are discussed. (19 references) (GLR)

Second-language use by Chinese business managers illustrates that second-language competence is driven partly by economic and political forces. Although Russian language knowledge is typical of the older managers, English and Japanese are favored by younger managers, reflecting the wane of Russian political influence and the growing importance of…

Proposes a theory of second-language (L2) learning that differs from accepted modes of theorizing in the second-language field. The theory is based on data gathered from the L2 classroom and strives to consider practical knowledge from other fields. (72 references) (JL)

Evaluates the distinction between competence theories and processing theories of second-language acquisition by examining Chomsky's definitions for competence and performance, and by setting out criteria for competence theories. (70 references) (JL)

Discusses the popularity and frequency of language bowls, academic competitions in foreign languages. Suggestions are made for the efficient administration and conduct of all aspects of the language bowl, such as guidelines for organizers, participants, and moderators. (six references) (GLR)

Examines the use the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), and provides evidence that the OPI can be used comfortably for such purposes as assigning oral skill grades, especially if examiners are trained to differentiate within levels and if scores are calibrated using a graduated scale. (GLR)

Provides reactions to an article, "The Relative Contribution of L2 Language Proficiency and L1 Reading Ability to L2 Reading Performance: A Test of the Threshold Hypothesis in an EFL Context" published in an earlier issue of this journal (v31 n4). The authors of the article respond to these reactions. (Author/VWL)

Proposes a translation framework to be used in the Spanish foreign-language classroom as a supplementary teaching technique. The use of translation techniques in the classroom can bridge the gap between language and culture by helping students develop metalinguistic skills that bring them to a higher level of awareness about the target language…

Provides an overview of current literature that explores the growth of language proficiency among students who have spent time abroad and includes a descriptive linguistic profile of students who have studied abroad. (Author/VWL)