A project undertaken at Macquarie University's National Centre for Language Teaching and Research (Australia) focuses on the literacy development of adult learners from non-English speaking backgrounds. The project draws on systemic-functional linguistics and work in literacy that derives from this theory. Systemic linguistics provides a theory of language that focuses on how language functions and the resources available in the lexico-grammatical systems of language can be utilized to make meaning. The program description begins with an outline of the theory and its model of language, and presents some points relevant to the literacy project. Issues emerging from the project that are relevant to literacy development include the following: The importance of the kinds of texts presented to students; the significance of the relationship between spoken and written language; the role of the teacher in relation to explicit teaching; effective provision of information to students; task-based syllabus design and learner-centered curriculum; and independent learning. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)