Three tests of self-assessment of oral skills were compared with a standardized measure of listening comprehension and oral expression, CEEL's test N73, parts 2 and 3. Results are provided. (KM)

A study was undertaken at the Canadian Forces Base Saint-Jean to determine whether sex is a significant factor in second language learning. Subjects were 200 females and 200 males, all francophone privates between 18 and 22; no significant differences between males and females as learners were found. (CFM)

Four dimensions of bilingual measurement are defined, and three major topics in the assessment of language proficiency and language dominance are discussed: selection of the language components to be assessed; appropriateness of certain elicitation tasks used; and general checkpoints that can be used to evaluate language proficiency dominance…

This paper reports evidence supporting the use of the cloze procedure technique as a reliable way of assessing the listening proficiency of foreign students of English. Evidence was gathered from two small-scale experiments. (CHK)

A presentation of a study and evaluation of a late-immersion French program in British Columbia. Grade Ten students took one semenster in which French was the only language of instruction. Proficiency of these students increased significantly. The findings, along with previous research, suggest that late immersion is a feasible option. (AMH)

A description of an experiment testing the effectiveness of three types of language laboratory equipment: Type A is an instant playback of the student's response; type B an instant playback of both recorded material and responses; and the third, long delay playback. Type A was found to be most effective. (AMH)

A set of language laboratory materials currently being tested in eight Scottish universities is described. The aim of the completely self-taught course is to increase the student's exposure to the language as a whole. The unity of each tape is based on the communicative function of the introductory text. (AMH)

Maintains that the language laboratory is the best way to aid language students in developing linguistic competence. The laboratory equipment needed is described and a pedagogical program for its effective use is outlined. (Text is in Italian.) (CFM)

Students of French are now more fluent orally than their counterparts of a few years ago. They are using, however, a more anglicized French. The causes are three: (1) unawareness of the value of words; (2) infrequent use of reference material, specifically the dictionary; (3) lack of adequate knowledge of basic rules. (CFM)

Reviews the development over the past ten years of a postgraduate course for translators and interpreters offered by the School of Modern Languages at the University of Bath in England. (CLK)

Opportunities for foreign language Ph.D.'s in business are discussed. (CHK)

The Department of Italian Studies at the University of Toronto focuses on language training by relating other components of foreign language study (literature, linguistics, etc.) directly to the language training process. The department features a streaming system (beginner, native-speaker, and matriculant) which places students of linguistically…

The issues confronting Australian tertiary institutions in the assessment of non-English-speaking-background students are discussed. A survey of tertiary institutions that identified test instruments currently being used is described and some of these test instruments (SST and CULT tests) are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Communicative oral language tests have claimed high content validity, but have also elicited concern that the assessment scales are based on theory with little empirical justification. A new approach to construct validity can be found in discourse analysis, which could lead to the development of new communicative discourse tests in all skills. (CB)

Results of two experiments investigating phonological skills of illiterate, unschooled adults and formerly illiterate, unschooled adults from shantytowns in Portugal suggest that learning to read, though not strictly necessary, plays a decisive role in the development of the ability of many individuals to focus on phonological length of…