This article reports on a collaborative research project which involved first-year distance learners of Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish at a New Zealand university. Drawing on the principles of Allwright's exploratory practice, the study aimed to gain an insight into the learners' experiences and conceptualisations in terms of their…

This paper argues for new departures in English as an International Language (EIL) pedagogy for the social majorities "in their own interest," not that of the privileged stratum of metropolitan elites. It is incontestable that the unstoppable spread of global English is a product of cultural, socioeconomic and political hegemony that is ultimately…

This is a reflection on my life experience as a woman of color. I teach Spanish courses as well as teacher preparation courses. I know what it was like to grow up in a nearly all Black community, then move to one which was almost exclusively White. As an adult looking back on my childhood, I believe that it is especially important that culturally…

The worldwide spread of English has recently received much interest. Issues relating to the multifaceted roles of English around the world have been highlighted and purist positions about English challenged. In particular (a) the assumption that British English is the only valid standard of English; and (b) the notion that the "native speaker" is…

Researchers have highlighted various benefits of the simulation-based approach to second language (L2) writing instruction. In this article, the author argues, with specific pedagogical scenarios, that an explicit focus on genre and genre analysis in simulation-based L2 writing instruction can further enhance learners' reading of content…

Describes a systematic approach to designing and improving foreign languages courses based on a model of course design. Suggests that the strength of systematically following a model is that the important things are not overlooked. (Author/VWL)

Reviews current practices in foreign-language teaching in light of Bourdieu's theories of language and power to show how failing to assess discursive intent prevents students from understanding strategic use of language. Bordieu's model is then proposed as the basis for pedagogy that authorizes students to use their existing cognitive skills in…

Highlights the PACE model for standards-based language learning. Using a Francophone story, illustrates how the model can assist teachers in actualizing the 1996 Standards for Foreign Language Learning. (Author/VWL)

Discusses theoretical issues concerning the role of cultural studies in second language instruction in the West, especially in Great Britain. Assumptions about existing approaches to cultural studies are discussed. Four areas for further work in cultural studies are suggested, and a theoretical model interrelating language and cultural instruction…

The status of English as a lingua franca (ELF) has become an increasingly popular discourse in Applied Linguistics and current ELT. It has been suggested that native speakers and their Englishes have become relatively unimportant in international communication and that research interests should now fall on non-native speakers and their use of…

Examines form and gender correspondence rules for Spanish and attempts to evaluate them for potential utility to the foreign language user on the basis of formal and psychological criteria relating to how rules might affect performance, with specific reference to the role of rules as defined in monitor model. (Author/BK)

Examines Tomlin and Villa's (1994) analysis of attention and Leow's (1998) attempt to operationalize this model. Argues that Leow's efforts to provide empirical support for the model fall short of that goal. (Author/VWL)

Argues that dominant hypermedia models of electronic literacy are too limited to do justice to new media and changing views of literacy in the electronic age, especially in terms of their recourse to postmodern theories of representation. Critiques a general hypermedia perspective in order to engage with hypermedia theorists to seek a more…

The learning needs relevant to a communicative approach to language teaching and the appropriate teaching methods are examined. Three alternatives perspectives on language use are discussed: structural, functional, and communicative. Taken together, these perspectives highlight the goal of foreign language learning: teaching the ability to use the…

Presents contrasting views on the state of the English-as-a-foreign-language field and its attempts to reinvent itself. The first article has been reviewed by an editorial panel and accepted for publication; the second is a commissioned response, to which the author of the original article offers a brief reply. (Author/VWL)