Reflects on the configuration of methods--personal language-learning history, journals, video observations, interviews, and pre/post-language proficiency tests--used to explore the experiences of 23 French second-language learners as they worked independently with an interactive-video program. (Author/VWL)

Presents results from ongoing research about non-adapted language switches, highlighting a longitudinal study of an adult learner of third-language (L3) Swedish with first-language (L1) English and second-language (L2) German. The study is based on 844 non-adapted language switches. Researchers identified four types of switches. Results indicated…

Focuses on the acquisition of sociolinguistic competence by second language learners during a period of study abroad. Various aspects of sociolinguistic competence are discussed and some of the principal factors that affect it are described. (Author/VWL)

Most states have only a 2-year foreign-language requirement for college-bound students. Two 1999 federal initiatives--the Foreign Language Education Improvement Amendments and the Educational Excellence for All Children Act--provide support for expanding foreign-language education opportunities. Four exemplary Georgia middle-school programs are…

A study analyzed the syllable structure of Canadian French as perceived by native (L1) and second-language (L2) speakers using forced-choice lexical division. Results indicate that although L2 learners acquire L2 syllable structures, their perception of syllable division is influenced by L1 structures, and L2-learners' syllable division approaches…

Discusses the Graded Objectives for Adults Learning (GOLF) Russian program. The aim of the GOLF program is to have four levels, with Level Four being considered equivalent to a good GCSE pass, at which stage students will have a good working knowledge of the language and a wide vocabulary. (CK)

Korean American students (n=207) participated in a survey to identify special concerns. Although the majority of these students are well-adjusted and their self-concept appears to be highly positive, 78% were concerned about their parents' limited English proficiency, 56% were not happy with their school work, and approximately a third expressed…

As camps employ more international staff, effective intercultural communication becomes important. Tips include being aware of cultural differences in the meaning of smiles, eye contact, and hand gestures; speaking slowly and clearly; avoiding slang; explaining common camp phrases; asking people how they would like to be addressed; learning common…

Reviews various strategies for addressing language needs in teacher development courses, ranging from providing separate language provision to incorporating language development within the methodology component of the course. Discusses how transcripts can be used to develop awareness of and promote practice in the language used for various…

Linking language assessments is a matter of greater concern with the advent of educational frameworks used to orient curricula and profile attainment. Outlines practical ways the principles of techniques recognized for linking separate assessments--equating, calibrating, statistical moderation, predicting (or benchmarking), and social moderation…

Examines language competence and reading comprehension of 7-year olds, focusing on the aims and content of Polish-language teaching in grades I-III. Discussion includes the development of Polish students compared to international standards; language task performance; gender and background influence on competence; and the relationship between…

Provides an extensive state-level and local-level analysis of the distribution of the federal government's financial aid to elementary and secondary schools, especially from the U.S. Department of Education. (PKP)

Investigates word frequency as an indicator of language proficiency in the written English of Grade 13 learners of English in Hong Kong. The study develops Laufer and Nation's (1995) work on Lexical Frequency Profile in which student writing was analyzed for the frequency of word families, with vocabulary profiles produced from the scripts on the…

Examines the relationship between phonetic possibility and phonological permissibility of segment types. Specific focus is on whether there are any phonetically impossible segments phonologically permissible, and whether there are any phonetically possible segments phonologically impermissable. Examines the case of nasality spreading in Sudanese…

Four kinds of reputed evidence for semilingualism or limited bilingualism are rejected as spurious or irrelevant. An alternative explanation of school failure among language minority children focuses on the lack of first-language support and the absence of comprehensible instruction in content-area knowledge. Implications for bilingual education…