A comparative study examined the influence of overseas experience on how learners put their second-language knowledge to use during communication, and how they compensate for gaps in their knowledge. Results do not suggest a strong dichotomy between language learning in the classroom and abroad or between grammar and oral proficiency. (20…

States that it is common for international schools to take ever-younger children into early-childhood programs, unaware of the possible negative effects of doing so without mother-tongue support. Urges schools to examine their admissions practices as well as the research available on successful foreign-language acquisition in younger children. (NB)