Argues that the success of a language course is determined by the teaching method, rather than by instructional materials. Accordingly, suggests a variety of strategies for the notional functional exploitation of traditional texts, and outlines classroom activities apt to encourage communicative competence. (MES)

Attempts to identify those dimensions lacking in most adolescent/adult English-as-a-foreign-language coursebooks whose objectives are to foster developmental language learning in instructed social contexts and to assist students in communicating in and learning English. Findings indicate that most coursebooks fail in these objectives. (27…

A pragmatic approach to second language instruction sees the text as a source of content which can be used in a variety of ways; the method is a teacher's decision. As the teacher assumes more of the decision-making role, the textbook becomes the framework on which the course can be built. Techniques for adaptation are given and case studies are…

Most second language texts not only do not emphasize negotiation of meaning, but are also structured to mislead learners in their attempt to express meaning (in the learners' native language). Examples from German, Spanish, and French are used to illustrate the need for second language learning to stand alone and independently from the native…

Discusses the notion of personal response, which is a method in English-language teaching that aims to elicit learner production of discourse in the target language. The article distinguishes between reader-response and personal response approaches and demonstrates how the inclusion of reader response in literature-based communicative language…

It is noted that a common belief among native Japanese-speakers is that it is not necessary to be polite when speaking English, despite the fact that politeness is seen as a Japanese cultural attribute. Researchers have also noted this discrepancy. A study investigated how Japanese secondary school textbooks for English as a Second Language (ESL)…

Summarizes an interactive computer-based reading program developed to enhance the linguistic proficiency of intermediate language students and increase their awareness of Francophone cultures. The article describes the program's glossing capabilities and its tracking device and summarizes the pilot research that preceded the program. (38…

This study attempts to demonstrate that the choice of material on the thematic and situational level has a bearing on linguistic concepts. The critique is divided into three main sections dealing with: (1) themes and situations, or the world view of audio-visual methods; (2) themes and situations in a particular text, "C'est le printemps;" and (3)…