Discusses the situational-structural syllabus with emphasis on more clearly defining objectives in both scope and content. Four directions for these syllabi are suggested: (1) priority of semantic and functional notions; (2) subordination of grammatical features; (3) introduction of spoken language discourse; and (4) reduction of grammatical…

Rather than try and shield themselves from organizational change, language departments should turn current administrative attempts to streamline the campus to their advantage, particularly in the trend toward internationalization of the curriculum. Areas for expansion include languages across the curriculum, area studies, study abroad, comparative…

Discusses the presence and significance of linguistics in Italian departments at universities in Australia and worldwide against the background of multiculturalism, the politicization of the Italian population in Australia, and the emergence of Italy as a major economic and political power. Argues that the boundary lines between linguistics and…

Investigates whether a three-month extensive reading program involving graded readers could improve English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners' second language competence. Finds improvement in reading and writing skills and a simpler but more correct use of syntax in the second language. (RS)

Discusses the curriculum and outcomes of the interdisciplinary Foreign Language, Culture, and Literature Program offered by Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, focusing on the German language component of the program. The program includes a five-month intensive language course, which includes several months of study in a target language…

Discusses the development of a program to have student teachers of French instruct special-needs pupils in a six-week course of basic French to help prepare them for a school holiday trip to France. Pupil and student teacher attitudes toward the program are examined. (MDM)

This case study describes the development and implementation of a 3-week, task-based, learner-centered, business English program for 18 Thai employees of a multinational corporation from various educational and English-language backgrounds. Student attitudes toward the nontraditional task-based curriculum and the results of the program are…

Examines the linguistic isolation of 11 million Magyar-speaking Hungarians in a context of political, economic, and educational change. Changes in foreign language learning since 1989 are outlined, and the declining popularity of Russian and increasing interest in studying the languages of Western Europe are discussed. (Contains 13 references.)…

Provides an overview of the social context of workplace programs, the variety of program types and goals, the nature of the population served, and issues of program design and evaluation related to language instruction in the workplace. Contains annotated bibliography. (57 references) (LET)

A study of 215 Temple University (Pennsylvania) students investigated patterns in achievement (as measured by course level and grade), language attitudes, attitudes toward and acquaintance with Spanish speakers, and foreign travel experience. Results support previous studies and suggest that the relationship between attitudes and foreign-language…

Examines how structural change in the international system during the past 150 years affected the rise and decline of language courses in the curriculum. Data analysis showed rapid decline of classical languages and increased study of national languages and modern foreign languages. Maintains that the rearrangement of hegemonic powers has a strong…

After a historical perspective of foreign language teaching in the United States, the article discusses current needs for second-language instruction, explores attempts to teach critical languages in public schools, and suggests approaches for the future. (SM)

Discusses the response of Hope College (Michigan) language departments to shifts in language enrollments, particularly the rise in Spanish enrollments and declines in other languages. Strategies include using the smaller classes as an opportunity to enhance the teaching-learning environment and make those courses more attractive, placement…

Saskatchewan's Japanese second-language curriculum for grades 10-12 are presented, including goals and objectives in speaking, listening, reading, and writing defined for each level. Curriculum design and structure are discussed briefly, and the importance of cultural awareness and evaluation procedures are emphasized. (Contains 19 references.)…

Describes a class research project where U.S. students interviewed foreign students enrolled in English language conversation programs. The U.S. students specifically asked questions regarding the foreign students' reaction to U.S. culture. The most productive aspect of the project, however, came from the students thinking and writing about the…