This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of conversation classes for learning a foreign language, and outlines three basic prerequisites for a successful conversation class: a small, homogeneous group, actual facts and ideas available for discussion, and a basic working vocabulary. (CLK)

A description of a functional French program for the training of tourism personnel in Greece. The topics discussed are: the public and their needs, and analysis of oral communication, pedagogical techniques and activities, including numerous examples of comprehension and speaking exercises. A short bibliography is included. (Text is in French.)…

Socio-drama can be used to develop communication skills for English as a second language students. Students produce new sentences by participating in several enactments, and language use must be restructured according to the social context. Social interaction, a prerequisite for communication, is also promoted. (SW)

"Directed conversation," involving a functional approach and role playing, is recommended for English as a second language classes instead of unstructured conversation groups. The student practices not only syntax and vocabulary but the specific sociolinguistic rules appropriate to the speech situation. (SW)

A description of units, including materials and techniques, used in secondary school French classes in Norway. The basis for selection of materials was student interest and motivation. The units appealed to the students' intelligence, imagination, sense of play and of group. Several samples are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The injection of conversation/discussion sessions into English language laboratory exercises could help to achieve the major objective of teaching English as a foreign language--helping the learner to express himself in English. Steps in developing the method are outlined. (SW)

Examines typical French telephone conversations for high-frequency expressions. Two classifications are used: intimate and non-intimate. Presents a typical course syllabus and forms for checking achievement. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Analyzes the importance of conversational gambits and routines in achieving second language communicative competence and then presents a model which uses telephone conversations as a means of achieving this goal. Exercises for drilling and testing gambits and routines are also presented. (Author/CB)

Describes a situation-centered approach to second language acquisition and provides examples of class activities, assignments, and exams. (EKN)

Offers suggestions toward making the conversational language course more valuable, with particular reference to Spanish. (AM)

Proposes the "warm-up" exercise, providing sentence patterns and basic vocabulary, for the purpose of stimulating oral communication in the adult foreign language classroom. (AM)

This paper considers the importance of teaching "register" in the Spanish as a second language classroom. Generally speaking, register means "variety according to use." A register is what you are speaking at the time determined by what you are doing (the nature of the social activity being engaged in), and an expression of…

Recommends "collective speaking" as a means of giving students as much opportunity as possible to practice speaking in the foreign language classroom. (FWB)