Describes nature of insulting and techniques used to insult and presents a variety of areas and values from which insults are drawn. Briefly compares insulting terms using animal names in 10 different languages. Suggest insulting behavior is an area which, if better understood, will permit teachers to develop effective materials and recognize…

Examines the theory that modern language teaching methodologies are based on the assumption that language training can best advance when the individual is viewed as part of a broader context in which interaction between student and teacher, individuals and their learning environment, are considered. (EKN)

This paper discusses how an understanding of speech acts contributes to the communicative competence in foreign language learning. Reviewing John Searle's five categories of speech acts (1976), the directive is discussed in terms of its manifestations in various foreign languages. Examples of directives in English, German, French, and Spanish are…

This final report describes a project in which videotapes of secondary school students performing linguistic and communicative tasks at various levels of French and Spanish instruction were produced. The videotapes are intended to illustrate levels of foreign language acquisition to language teachers. High achieving students were filmed after 2,…

The autonomous language learner takes responsibility for the totality of his learning situation. He does this by determining his own objectives, defining the contents to be learned and the progression of the course, selecting methods and techniques to be used, monitoring this procedure, and evaluating what he has acquired. Objectives are specific…

Proposes several guidelines for the communicative exploitation of translation with advanced foreign language learners at the tertiary level and suggests that the communicative basis for the use of translation as a language teaching technique is derived from the communicative nature of translation as a professional activity. (Author/CB)

A three-step process in designing a test to assess children's oral language proficiency in specific communicative areas is described and illustrated, and the utility of such tests for classroom teachers is discussed. (MSE)

Argues that the "communicative approach" to second-language teaching ignores possible differences in students' needs, interests, and responses. Describes a survey of students' attitudes at a secondary school in Spain and three experiments on the interaction between the first and the target languages and on the effectiveness of communicative and…

Although testing language has traditionally taken the form of testing knowledge about language, the idea of testing communicative competence is becoming recognized as being of great importance in second language learning. Communicative language tests are intended to be a measure of how the testees are able to use language in real life situations.…

This paper discusses the use of skits and dialogues in a first-year Chinese course to help novice learners enhance their communicative skills. Because novice learners of Chinese lack the appropriate vocabulary and grammar knowledge to express themselves freely, skits can help them use their limited knowledge to communicate in an effective manner.…

This text is a compilation of articles focusing on second language teaching, second language learning, and learning materials. Written in honor of Dr. Mary Finocchiaro, it epitomizes her work in the field of language teaching by presenting both theory and practice in the second language classroom. The articles include (1) "What is Second Language…

The experience of two teachers of English as a second language (ESL) in using simulation is described. Their success in developing communicative competence in young adult remedial ESL students is attributed to the fostering of realistic (i.e., lowered) self-expectations of achievable communicative ability. In developing specific language skills to…

Presents the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Language Chinese Proficiency Guidelines, detailing stages of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. (CB)

This paper presents the educational method of role taking as a means of teaching communicative competence in a second language. The method calls for encouragement of student "creative work" and "coping with" the learning material. A sample lesson used in South Africa with students (ages 11-13) learning English as a Second…

Language teachers often do not focus on developing strategic competence among their second-language learners, though research demonstrates that language-learning strategies vary in their usefulness and applicability dependent on many variables. Teachers must develop strategic competence to enhance learners' linguistic and communicative competence.…