The proverbial language of Spanish provides a resource for teaching and testing various aspects of phonetics, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural features of the language. Incorporation of these features into the Spanish curriculum can enrich the classroom experience. Specific suggestions for their use are provided. (Author/MSE)

Outlines progress of California Spanish Language Data Base (CSLDB) project in its effort to provide subject access to Spanish language collections in public libraries. Generating Spanish counterparts for English subject headings, going online, and the current effort of seeking a host bibliographic utility are examined. References are provided.…

Describes two programs for adult learners, Weekend College and Learn and Shop. Weekend College offered credit courses on Saturdays and Sundays; Learn and Shop used employee training rooms at five major shopping centers. Statistics on both programs are given as well as a description of the Spanish Department offerings and reactions. (AMH)

Describes a curriculum project at five Black colleges in which Afro-French and Afro-Hispanic cultural materials were infused into introductory French and Spanish courses. Results indicate that use of these cultural materials motivated students in their study of foreign languages and contributed to development of global perspectives. (Author/BK)

Describes a survey instrument developed to study the behavioral characteristics of gifted and talented foreign language learners. The survey was sent to selected teachers of French, German, and Spanish to determine how they perceived the characteristics of these students. The lists of characteristics obtained were rank-ordered by knowledgeable…

Presents the results of research that investigated three variables as possible causes for different academic achievements of Hispanic students and nonminority students: (1) academic preparation, (2) motivational factors, and (3) social and economic status. Provides suggestions for improving the performance of Hispanic students in mathematics and…

This study offers an analysis of bilingual acquisition with particular emphasis on conditions that required the child to use negative syntactic structures. English monolinguals scored differently than bilinguals in English. There also was evidence that Spanish negative constructions were used in English negative constructions. (Author/BW)

Examines variations in current usage that pose problems in teaching Spanish relative pronouns. Discusses their treatment in first-year college textbooks, in the professional literature and in newspapers and magazines prose. Attempts to provide a description of the use of these pronouns applicable to classroom presentation. (MES)

The role of bilingualism in reading difficulties is explored in the areas of: categories and variations in bilingualism; misinterpretation of standardized reading test results; and diagnostic-prescriptive issues. Particular case studies are presented. (JN)

Describes an experiment designed to determine which language errors interfere to the greatest degree with comprehension by native speakers of the language. For this purpose, an instructor prepared a list of most serious Spanish language errors which was submitted to native speakers for evaluation in terms of comprehension and acceptability. (MES)

Reports that extending practice in oral language skills from kindergarten through the primary grades has a significant impact on Mexican American students' performance on a reading test. (FL)

Differing amounts and ordering of pictorial content were compared to determine their effect on learning word-referent relations in a second language. Findings indicated there is an optimal level at which nonverbal context facilitates the process of inferring word meanings in a foreign language. (Author/DS)

Defines three previously overlooked subpopulations of English proficient students (English superior, equally limited, non-English superior) in terms of their relative proficiency in English and the home language. Presents data and clarifies assessment terms, criteria, and procedures used in relative proficiency assessment. Makes program…

An approach to language intervention and parent education for families of Spanish speaking deaf children is discussed. The focus of videotapes is explained to be on using sign language as a bridge between the child's different language environments. (CL)

Presents three interrelated theses on the mechanisms underlying developmental and transfer errors, and exemplifies these with reference to a number of English L2 developmental structures. Proposes a framework where linguistic factors play a major role in protracting the restructuring of the preverbal negation rule by Spanish learners. (Author/MES)