This is an English communication instruction system designed to teach children basic, easy to remember conversation strategies without the use of a textbook or to serve as a supplement learning system to a textbook. This English communication training method provides learners with concrete language patterns, a broad spectrum of vocabulary and…

This paper discusses how Japanese teachers of English can help students acquire real oral communication skills by challenging and changing their teaching approaches, reflecting on their teaching styles, understanding the situation in their language classrooms, and taking steps to solve the problem of authentic oral communication. The paper…

The use of speech or language produced by native speakers in real situations for teaching oral communication skills in the second language classroom is described. Three sample lessons, based on the author's teaching experience in Japan, are presented. All lessons used material called "The Bellcrest Story," produced by the British…

This article discusses second language vocabulary learning strategies and includes an analysis and classification of possible strategies and the report of a study conducted among second language learners in Japan. Research on vocabulary learning strategies is synthesized into two lists of strategies: 14 methods for initial learning of a new word's…

The articles in this cross-cultural journal deal with practical issues in second language instruction, English education, the needs of the language learners, principles governing the creation of word pairs, and the process of building in-service language programs. The following articles are included: (1) "The Role of Redundancy, Function, and…

This small manual presents 12 learning scenarios designed to teach the Japanese national learning standards to American learners of Japanese. It is written by teachers for teachers. These scenarios are designed to teach interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication; practices and products of culture; cultural comparisons; language…

During this five-day unit, students will enter the world of a Japanese classroom. They will talk about school uniforms, "fill" their backpacks with school items, and learn how to do a simple self-introduction in front of their peers. Students will participate in the cultural customs of a Japanese classroom and view pictures, videos, and…

Emphasizes the need to redefine goals of "communicative competence," specifically for secondary-level students of English in Japan. Since students do not feel a pressing need to use English, such goals seem too distant for them. Some basic classroom language teaching methodology is suggested that is aimed at fitting in with the overall…

This issue of "Cross Currents" includes the following articles: "The Japanese Concept of Hanashi-Kata and Its Potential Influence on Foreign Language Acquisition" by James R. Bowers; "Linguistic Relativity and Foreign Language Learning" by Ronald Taubitz; "On Being a Sansei English Teacher in Japan" by Ruth…

The study describes ten discussion activities designed to improve the communicative abilities of Japanese learners of English based on cultural instruction goals. The activities target intermediate and advanced students, but teachers can modify the lessons for false beginners. All exercises stress speaking and listening. They focus on topics…

Introduces American students to the Japanese language through everyday expressions and through basic vocabulary on topics including days of the week, dates, and time. A few basic grammar and pronunciation rules are also presented. (DB)

This biannual journal presents articles, teaching ideas, and book reviews on a range of topics related to the teaching and learning of English as a second language and cross cultural communication issues, especially in regard to Japan and Japanese students. The nine articles address the following topics: (1) interview exercises based on the…

The main purpose of this videotape and guidebook is to familiarize pre-service and in-service teachers of Japanese with the "five C" goals (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, communities) of the Japanese National Standards and the concept of learning scenarios. The first half of the videotape explains the standards for…

Two key parallels exist between reading and writing, each with profound implications for the teaching of these skills, and which can be adapted for the situation in Japanese high schools, where reading and writing classes are separate. First, on a theoretical level, writing and reading are cognitively similar in that they are both active and…

This issue of the biannual journal of the Language Institute of Japan contains, in addition to book reviews, conference listings, and other announcements, these articles: "Teaching Literature with Cognitive Counseling" (Wayne Pounds); "Extending the Scope of ESL Software for Advanced Students" (Hiroko Wagner);…