Language learning and language teaching are discussed in terms of H.E. Palmer's theory that language can be divided into primary matter (units learned by heart integrally) and secondary matter (units built up or derived by the pupil from primary matter). Excerpts from the "Nuffield German Teaching Materials" are used to illustrate how audiovisual techniques can increase secondary school students' ability to recombine primary matter when confronted with new situations. A presentation of the design and aims of the Nuffield Foundation Foreign Language Teaching Materials Project concludes the article. (JH)