An evaluation of a Des Moines program, in which the relationship of student background and program achievement was examined, is summarized. It was found that more instruction in English was beneficial in the first year of schooling, but had diminishing effects during the second and third years. Implications for similar programs are discussed. (MSE)

A study investigated the ability of socially handicapped Israeli students to determine a word's meaning from its linguistic context. The results and their implications for second language instruction are examined in light of current theories of context. (MSE)

Cognitive, academic, first language, and second language abilities of language-impaired children attending French immersion programs were assessed in kindergarten and grade 1. After two years of instruction, second language skills were improving, but not comparably to nonlanguage-impaired students. Optimal language of instruction theories are…

Because of common economic and technological constraints such as the lack of advanced equipment and pre-existence of other media, instructional television does not promise to be a significant presence in Europe for at least several more years. Careful consideration of the potential for international cooperation in educational television and its…

Discusses psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic questions relevant to the development of language programs for foreigners, such as student motivation, language aptitude, learning styles, cultural differences, language styles, and communicative competence. Focuses particularly on the cultural problems faced by a foreigner, as a student, client, and…

Background and historical information regarding adaptation assimilation of Chinese women to living in Southeast Asia includes details of Chinese immigration to Southeast Asia, socialization factors affecting identity and change, and language education. (Journal availability: National Dissemination and Assessment Center, California State…

Examines predictors of accent transfer from L1 to L2 in a group whose acquisition of English as a second language had begun at ages ranging from 6 to 15 plus. Discusses effects of age on L2 acquisition, adding that the only other strong factor was whether L2 was used in the home. (Author/MES)

Reports the results of a study examining the effect of one year's attendance in a French language immersion program on the intelligence and self-esteem of six year olds. (AM)

Presents the results of two studies intended to determine: (1) whether psycholinguistics can explain the reading behaviors of adult Spanish speakers reading in English and Spanish, and (2) whether these readers transferred their Spanish reading skills to English. (Author/AM)

Reports that differences between two groups of Indochinese immigrants in the United States--an English-competent group and an English-deficient group--were highly significant with respect to the variables of educational background, English language newspaper reading, interpersonal contact with Americans, and frequency of newspaper reading. (GT)

A study of 87 Italian immigrants who were recent alumni of Canadian public schools yielded a rare and collective description of this major social institution as a cultural immersion setting. Respondents described schools in both Italy and Canada, the significance of second language learning, and schools as communities. (Author/SB)

Describes a study that tests whether the sociolinguistic differences observed in essays in German are a carry-over from the native Scottish English. A previous study is described which tested the hypothesis that social class influences linguistic behavior and could be a cause for errors in a foreign language. (AMH)

Discusses why and how language laboratories are used in Japan to develop aural perception and comprehension and oral production in English. Presents some practical suggestions for the preparation of relevant teaching materials. (PMJ)

Using studies from many countries, the author reviews the advantages and disadvantages of three designs for bilingual instruction: delivery in the second language, initial instruction in the mother tongue, and mixed delivery in both languages. Cognitive development and students' attitudes toward their native language are considered. (SJL)

After considering the linguistic, social, pedagogical and administrative rationale for using Spanish or native languages, particularly Quechua, as the educational medium, the author proposes a national system of bilingual schooling to be conducted in Spanish above the primary levels, but with continued native language course offerings. (SJL)