Elucidates the psycholinguistic mechanics of the "output hypothesis" and argues that output serves an important role in second language acquisition because it generates specific input the cognitive system needs to build up a coherent set of knowledge. The article hypothesizes that the locus of the effect of output is in the transition of…

Illustrates the advantages of laboratory research into second language acquisition (SLA) by describing two studies of acquisition of second language syntax. The first, conducted in Wales, addresses the question of whether human morphological abilities can be understood in terms of associative processes, and the second presents a bootstrapping…

Describes a study comparing the level of achievement of nonnative English-speaking students with native English- speaking students in community college law courses in the Toronto area. Reviews studies of the academic achievement of nonnative English speakers. Reports no significant differences in final grades between the two groups. (AJL)

Discusses the validity of a rating scale created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for the purpose of measuring the oral language proficiency of bilingual professionals who are speakers of English and Spanish. Notes that this scale measures various levels of competence and features of an individual's speech. (14…

Compared to 19 controls, 21 dyslexic boys, age 11-18, were as successful in naming parts of objects in drawings, and they had no distinctive difficulty over homophones or homographs. However, subjects did produce more distortions of words, examples of inappropriate usage, incomplete sentences, repetitions, and other errors. (Author/JDD)

Presents an overview of the contemporary struggle of American Indians to relearn their native languages. Examines the loss of native languages resulting from assimilationist policies at federal boarding schools; bilingual programs of the 1970s that emphasized writing, reading, and "survival" vocabulary; and recent tribal language programs…

Focuses on a real world technique used to teach language proficiency in the classroom. This method involves creating deliberate information and opinion gaps by administering pop quizzes and other communicative games and filling those gaps through cooperative action. Use of this technique generated heated discussion among students. (nine…

Examines the difficulty foreign language learners of Spanish experience in distinguishing between indicative and subjunctive moods after four semesters of study. An analysis of two oral production tasks suggests that, at this intermediate level, they are unlikely to possess enough linguistic foundation to fully benefit from instruction in mood…

Examines the adjustment of 172 Taiwanese students during their first months in the United States. A multidimensional model is used that accounts for 39% of the variance of adjustment. Mediating factors of the model include demographics, personality, number and severity of problems experienced, prearrival preparation, social support, language…

In a 10-week time-series investigation of a class of 12 students, this study looked at whether Suggestopedia affects more sophisticated language skills than recall. Both quantitative and qualitative measures were included to address the criticism that Suggestopedia affects memory skills alone. Findings suggest that Suggestopedia can positively…

A young man with hydrocephalic brain injury was found to be an able linguist and received normal scores on the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test in French, German, and Spanish. His performance intelligence was tested separately and found low. His linguistic talents are discussed as an intelligence quotient-independent linguistic talent. (Author/PB)

Examines the rationale behind using musical drama in English-as-a-Second-Language classes, explaining that it is an enjoyable experience that enriches students' English while they are relaxed, working as a team, and having fun with their imaginations. The article explains the process of putting on a play and evaluates the effect such a project had…

Examines the contribution of second-language proficiency and first-language reading ability in terms of the threshold hypothesis of language proficiency. (38 references) (Author/CK)

Conducted a survey of college French as a foreign language students' reactions to narrow listening, the repeated listening of tape-recorded interviews of proficient speakers discussing a topic both familiar and interesting to the acquirers, and their assessment of its impact on their language development. Students found narrow listening to be…

Discusses theoretical ways in which science-teacher inservices and training could be phased through time for maximum effect. Criticizes existing theories in light of the experience of the Primary Science Program in South Africa and proposes a synthesis model for inservice phasing. Contains 31 references. (Author/WRM)