Outlines the goals and content of the syllabus aimed at developing reading and listening comprehension in a beginners' course in German. Types of written and spoken texts; language register used; language structure patterns desired; lexis and vocabulary; and language function are discussed as they are included in the syllabus. (CHK)

A notional syllabus places the greatest emphasis on the use of the language, unlike most foreign language syllabuses, which emphasize its structural form. Each entry defines a type of purposeful communication. When the student has mastered the syllabus, he has thus acquired a communicative competence. (CFM)

Describes the functional/notional approach to language instruction, discussing key features, misconceptions, and practical applications of the model. (AM)