Describes a teaching approach that helps second language learners develop enough confidence to use comprehension strategies proven effective with native language students. (AEA)

Previous theory concerning the variable behavior verbs in unaccusative/unergative alternation in Dutch, Hebrew, and Italian, which concludes that the unergative/unaccusative distinction is not syntactic but aspectual/semantic, is challenged. Discrepancies and inconsistencies are found in the grammatical functions of aspectual functional…

This collection of papers tells the story of how languages other than English have contributed to making New York City a culturally vibrant and linguistically diverse city. Part 1, "Introduction to the Multilingual Apple," features "New York's Multilingualism: World Languages and Their Role in a U.S. City" (Ofelia Garcia). Part…

Introduces a special section on self-instructional language programs, and provides a brief list of materials, and their sources, for independent study of some uncommonly taught languages. (AM)

Examines the relationships between the first (L1), second (L2), and third (L3) language in immersion programs for Russian-speaking students in Israel. Two parallel and similar immersion programs, which were carried out for the same population, but with different target languages (L2 Hebrew and L3 English), are described. Presents tentative…

Provides insights on how to assess a whole language foreign language class (WLFLC) and to field test qualitative research methods for a WLFLC. The Hebrew language class was assessed through analysis of semistructured interviews with four students, students' reflective mid-term papers and final class evaluations, and teacher journal notes. (VWL)

A study of Hebrew poems for children revealed elements of the historical and sociolinguistic dilemmas encountered in the revival of spoken Hebrew, including conflicts concerning usage and change. (MSE)

The question of the sequencing of skills is an important issue in language policy and curriculum design in general, and even more so in the case of a diglossic language such as Arabic. This paper tries to investigate the implications of diglossia on the order of linguistic skills acquisition in Arabic among Hebrew speakers in Israel. (JL)

Examines differential patterns of cultural and social assimilation of Israeli immigrants using a cross-sectional mail survey of 155 naturalized and 50 nonnaturalized immigrants in New York City. In general, the higher the economic status, the greater the degree of cultural assimilation. (SLD)

Language usage patterns of popular singers from different ethnic backgrounds were studied to identify possible linguistic conditioning regarding use of the Mizrahi dialect. The data suggest that there is an unconscious and hyperaccommodative, rather than hypercorrective, pull toward the dominant norm. Contains 74 references. (LB)

The extra effort required for second-language learning by disadvantaged students is discussed and illustrated in a diagram that emphasizes the need for individualized and eclectic teaching approaches. (LB)

The complexity of teaching second-language vocabulary is illustrated with numerous examples of words that do not have an exact reciprocal from one language to another. Some insurmountable differences are cited, and the rationale for usage of an inaccurate but culturally acceptable word is offered. (13 references) (LB)

Using a questionnaire, this study examined Jordanian undergraduate students attitudes toward learning the Hebrew language. Results show that students express a neutral, guarded attitude toward Jewish language and culture. In general, the results indicate the importance of learning Hebrew and suggest that learning is intrinsically motivated.…

In 1983, United Kingdom's Department of Education & Science filed a complaint that a Hasidic school, which devoted bulk of day to teaching Hebrew texts through medium of Yiddish, was not providing "suitable preparation for adult life in Britain" under the Education Act. Article analyzes views expressed in the case, in light of…

Reviews sociological analysis of the transformation of the link between language and identity among Soviet Jewish immigrants in Israel, focusing on their common desire for Russian language maintenance after their immigration to Israel. Argues that although the immigrants acquire fast, the former Jewish intelligensia's perception of the dominant…