Three measure of English language proficiency (a partial dictation [Cloze] test, a text-reading and recollection test, and a story-telling test) were administered to three groups of college-level students (Finns, Swedish-Finns, and Swedes). The results are analyzed in several articles presented here: (1) "The Comprehension of Function Words and Content Words in Partial Dictation" by Hakan Rignbom, (2) "Speech Rate and Pauses in the English of Finns, Swedish-Speaking Finns, and Swedes" by Jaakko Lehtonen, and (3) "Investigating Communication Strategies" by Rolf Palmberg. In a concluding article, Ringbam summarizes some findings. Swedish Finns, being accustomed to encounters with a language other than their own, seem to develop comprehension of English most easily. Swedes exceed Finns in spelling errors, but Finns have a lower articulation rate; this reflects the differing emphasis on writing and speaking skills in two educational systems. The only difference in communication strategies among the three groups lies in the Swedes' greater use of paraphrase. These and other findings suggest a complex of factors affecting second language proficiency, including cultural conditions and relatedness of first and second language. (JB)