Common problems encountered in teaching Chinese that involve classical, intentional malapropisms (learned errors) are discussed. Three aspects unique to Chinese are addressed: (1) since Chinese writing is logographic, some malapropisms occur because of similar graphs; (2) since many expressions come from classical Chinese, and instruction in…

A morphological analysis of a French language corpus focuses on patterns of truncation, shortened versions of multisyllabic words, in modern spoken usage and in the language used in newspapers. Specific examples of truncation are included.(MSE)

Examines the discrepancy between spoken and written vocabularies in modern standard Chinese (MSC) textbooks that contributes to slow vocabulary development, and outlines a teaching technique to extend students' vocabulary using the ideographic nature of MSC characters rather than phonetic learning to increase efficient use of vocabulary…

Two broad issues in the international teaching of English as a second language are discussed: the language standard to be taught (i.e., British, North American, Canadian, Australian, or some other native form), and mutual intelligibility as a principle by which to teach English. It is proposed that while language models are necessary for the…

This study sought to determine whether there is a variety of Nigerian English acceptable as a teaching model to prospective Nigerian primary school teachers of different ethnic groups. Results indicate that: (1) contrary to common belief, there are Nigerians of different ethnic groups who speak a variety of English acceptable to other Nigerians of…

Offers guideline for the typical continuing education noncredit course, discussing the restrictions imposed by the minimal number of contact hours and the heterogeneous grouping of students. Recommends independently structured learning modules and a thematic approach, using practical conversational language and lively class activities. (MES)

Discusses lack of authenticity of dialogs provided in most foreign language courses for students' listening comprehension practice and imitation. Explores the difficulties involved in obtaining authentic material for use at the elementary levels and proposes role playing as a technique for the preparation of dialogs by teachers and course…

An approach to writing instruction in a second language begins with a look at the different functions of oral and written language and proceeds to an analysis of stylistic differences. A number of examples are offered from French textbooks, letters, and excerpts from speech used on television. (MSE)

A discussion of the worldwide problem of how to approach second language instruction examines insights gained from research and theory and recommends adoption of a pragmatic approach. Five principles underlying language instruction must be considered in this pragmatic approach. First, the most essential function of language is its…

A study investigated how four anglophone Caribbean students enrolled in an American college perceive their own language and writing in standard English, the morphosyntactic and semantic features that emerge when they write in standard English, and the extent to which discourse features revealed in their writing are attributable to Creole…

Findings about black language and speaking behavior may help increase understanding and accommodation of black students in education. While something is known about Black English as a medium of communication, little is known about the language itself. The teacher must learn to recognize basic linguistic and performance features of black English,…

Outlines a method for classroom presentation of model dialogues which uses the problem-solving approach to stimulate students' awareness and production of functional elements suited to a variety of attitudes and situations. Gives examples illustrating classroom activities designed for each phase of the teaching-learning process. (MES)

Current and aspiring teachers of college Spanish need an awareness of how and why the language and dialects are used in real-life contexts, and to understand the value of the variations as well as that of standard usage. Training of teaching assistants and language teachers should include basic notions of sociolinguistics, including the functions…

In a microethnographic study of an elementary second-language (L2) classroom, one recurring event of the classroom, the "talking circle," is analyzed in terms of its topic development, social demands, and communicative dimensions. It is argued that L2 students need abundant practice in turn-taking, interrupting, and listening. (Contains…

The language of English-speaking Caribbean immigrant students in the United States is examined, and it is argued that conventional English-as-a-Second-Language classes and curricula do not address the linguistic needs of these students. Background information on the evolution and sociocultural patterns of English-based vernaculars, or Creoles, of…