The Critical Period Hypothesis aims to investigate the reason for significant difference between first language acquisition and second language acquisition. Over the past few decades, researchers carried out a series of studies to test the validity of the hypothesis. Although there were certain limitations in these studies, most of their results…

This article examines the attitudes of the colonial and metropolitan governments towards the promotion of English-language education on Hong Kong Island between 1842 and 1860. The study, which draws on a range of unpublished primary sources, was conducted in response to Whitehead's recent call for detailed case studies of colonial education…

The history of literacy in Fiji, where levels of literacy in both vernacular and English have been low, is discussed. A project to improve literacy in educational contexts is described. Current problems and future developments are discussed. (Author/MT)

The literature of the French language was researched to learn of any significant pedagogical events or trends occurring in the 87th year of each century. The findings from 1487 to the present are described. (MSE)

Illustrates H.E. Palmer's achievements as a writer of English-teaching materials and as a dedicated practitioner. Views his commitment to classroom teaching innovation as his most outstanding contribution, stressing his insights and his pursuit of the practical possibilities offered by novel ideas. (Author/MES)

This intellectual history of the disciplinary roots of second language (L2) writing research and pedagogy in English examines the influences of its feeder disciplines, composition studies and applied linguistics, and their parent disciplines, rhetoric and linguistics. After a brief history of L2 writing's two grandparent disciplines (rhetoric and…

A historical review of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teaching in the years 1910-20 explores similarities among instructors' strategies, approaches, attitudes, and commitment to helping students learn the language they need to progress socially and economically in the United States, without damaging or destroying cultural identity. (32…

Origins and problems of classroom-centered research on language learning and teaching are surveyed, tracing the development of both the concerns and the research tools used. The development of a productive controversy over objective versus subjective methods is described. (MSE)

Major background sociocultural factors in the revival of Hebrew as Israel's vernacular during the period 1890-1916 are examined. These include communicative, national-political, and religioeducational factors leading to an unprecedented community acceptance of an unfamiliar spoken language and its use by new generations of native speakers. (MSE)

Relates the central ideas of Wilhelm Vietor to their historical context, since he was the dominant figure of his time, in the history of applied linguistics. Author shows how Vietor's reforms of foreign language teaching found acceptance in subsequent language teaching, particularly in Germany. (SL)

Discusses the English Reform Movement of the 1880s and 1890s that attempted to revolutionize methods of modern language instruction by teaching them as living languages. Presents precedents of the Reform Movement, its principles and proponents, reactions to Reform methods, and the impact of the Reform Movement on schools. (DSK)

Aspects of French language instruction in nineteenth century Sweden are discussed, including official adoption of French in the curriculum, development of the discipline, the evolution of textbooks, textbook types and content, problems in researching the field, and teachers. (MSE)

Focuses on growth and development of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students at the undergraduate level between 1941 and 1966. Discusses developments and progress made in the profession of teaching ESL students. Shows how teaching ESL in this period inadvertently contributed to the creation of the disciplinary division of labor that continues…

Traces the development of the English-as-a-second-language program for American Indian students at Hampton Institute (Virginia), beginning in 1878. Describes how Hampton teachers reexamined their practices in light of students' experiences and experimented with new pedagogical approaches and theories, some of which would become tenets of…

A centenary tribute to Wilhelm Vietor, whose work marked the start of modern methods of language teaching in Europe, describes the educational philosophy behind the reform movement. The movement focused on the value of spoken language and established an alternative to the grammar translation method. (MSE)