Advanced-level English-as-a-Second-Language Belgian university business administration students were subjects in a study of viewing comprehension by means of the prior activation of text-relevant schemata. Findings support the idea that prior activation can enhance the comprehension and retention of the message content of authentic video materials…

How the ultimate proficiency in a second language is affected by the age at which learners begin learning the target language was studied. Results showed a striking difference in mean reaction time for native versus nonnative groups, even for early bilinguals. (16 references) (Author/LB)

A study investigated the effectiveness of communicative and noncommunicative class activities for English second-language instruction in relation to student perceptions of the degree to which those activities were enjoyable. Results indicate a positive correlation between enjoyableness and perceived effectiveness but do not show a causal…

Prepared by a team of Haifa teacher trainers, this article analyzes 11 English textbooks, showing in tabular form the strengths and weaknesses of each. Criteria included presentation of language skills, vocabulary, grammar, communicative activities, and dictionary skills. (LB)

Questionnaire data from 484 Israeli tenth graders studying Arabic showed that Gardner's socioeducational model for second language learning was generalizable to the context of the present study (i.e., a different social context from that in which the model was developed). (23 references) (Author)

A study of ethnic variation supports the hypothesis that rules/norms governing second-language classroom interactional patterns are affected by the teacher's pedagogical orientation and turn allocation management, learner disposition/motivation toward participation, and interactional opportunities. It cautions against hasty linkages between…

For 42 Italian students studying English as a foreign language, there was no significant difference in subjects' success in recognizing words, regardless of whether words' final consonants were fully realized. Exercises that focus attention on sounds at the ends of words make learners practice a strategy that neither they nor first-language…

In this interview, two collaborators in research on teaching foreign languages to learning-disabled students are questioned regarding specific foreign language learning disabilities, possible subtypes, diagnosis, policies of colleges regarding students unable to meet foreign language requirements, and recent research in the field. (PB)

A study exploring the differences between first- and second-language word recognition strategies revealed that second-language listeners used more higher level information than native language listeners, when access to higher level information was not hindered by a competence-ceiling effect, indicating that word processing strategy is a function…

Discusses the Tri-University Conference on Languages, Literacy, and Education held at Faculte Saint Jean of the University of Alberta in October 1988. Conference goals were to discuss issues that pertain to literacy and academic achievement in minority and second-language programs and to make recommendations for teacher preparation to improve…

Although language policy in New Zealand is emerging piecemeal, without any clear central planning and without much of the data needed for sound policy development, political pressure from indigenous, community, and other language interest groups is interacting positively with government values and may still lead to a coherent national policy. (39…

Provides study results of the attitudes of first and second year foreign language students enrolled at historically Black colleges and universities toward foreign language study, and makes recommendations for improving the status of foreign language education at these institutions. (13 references) (GLR)

Analysis of the responses of Spanish, Chinese, and German learners of English-as-a-Second-Language to English sentences with empty pronominal categories found that, although empty pronouns were pragmatically more natural in finite clauses of Spanish and Chinese than in English or German, only the Spanish subjects had significantly higher mean…

The efficiency of oral error correction was investigated as a function of 35 Dutch-speaking high school seniors' individual characteristics of aptitude, motivation, anxiety, and previous achievement. Results were mixed but generally suggest that error correction does not lead to across-the-board improvement of achievement. (Contains 55…

The new diversity of foreign language students' motivations and learning paths requires a new, more learner-centered approach to instruction. Alternative ways of organizing the learning experience include modular curricula, individualized instruction, and guided independent study. This implies a more culturally oriented approach to language…