The decline in enrollment in foreign language study in Australia is due partly to the belief in the universality of English. Learning difficulties may be overcome by beginning language instruction in primary school. Diplomatic and military personnel may require a foreign language, as may international businessmen. (CHK)

This paper discusses bilingualism from the point of view of language universals, including Fillmore's case grammar, McCawley's "anywhere rules" for lexical insertions and Slobin's operating principles in first language acquisition. It is assumed that first and second language learning is essentially the same, regardless of age. Whereas…

This article presents statistics regarding numbers of students studying various foreign languages in Australia, and notes the decline in language study. It is observed that the range of language offered should be expanded and development of speech skills emphasized. (CHK)

Discusses the teaching of European languages and less commonly taught languages at all educational levels in Australia. Reference is made to multilingualism and language instruction in other countries. (AM)

The article outlines past and present approaches to initial literacy teaching to speakers of indigenous vernaculars in Australia and New Zealand. It comments on the implications of this experience in the wider context of teaching literacy, and of teaching English literacy in Southeast Asia as a whole. (CLK)

While much attention has been given to the language problems of newly developing nations and to the various phases of planned language development such as graphization, standardization and modernization, not enough attention has been given to language planning that would serve the needs of minority groups in nations such as Australia where the…

Presents an overview of the Chinese language teaching situation in Victoria, Australia. (KM)

The development of Russian language study in Australia since 1946 is described. A chart shows composition of Russian departments in Australian universities. Suggestions for promotion of Russian study are made. (RM)

Reasons that foreign languages have both cultural and pragmatic-vocational contributions are discussed. Reasons for the decline in foreign language study in Australia and ways to reverse the present trends are presented. (SW)

Extracts are given from the 78-page survey which deals with the changing pattern of enrollments in university language courses and with changes in range, structure and orientation of university language courses. An address from which the full report may be obtained is given. (RM)

In Australia, foreign languages are no longer required study. Asian languages and English as a foreign language are the most widely studied. Introductory linguistics courses are often given prior to actual foreign language instruction, and traditional teaching methods have been displaced by the use of sound and visual recordings. (AG)