Chinese characters have been an obstacle preventing the development of Chinese proficiency for learners of Chinese whose native language does not have characters. A substantial literature review identified linguistic, pedagogical, and political factors as causes such difficulties. Tone changes represent different meanings of a word. Compound…

Describes public forum held in Fayetteville, AR in 1979 designed to give the general public the opportunity to air pro and con opinions on value of foreign languages in public school curricula. Expressions from newspaper readers, television viewers, and forum participants suggest there is a general belief in the value of foreign language study.…

Discusses teaching foreign language in kindergarten as a way to foster favorable attitudes for serious language study at a later date. Outlines some classroom guidelines and expectations based on experiences in two kindergarten FLES programs. (EKN)

Describes a pilot scheme for the Early Teaching of Modern Languages (ETML). Four points are discussed: (1) the aims and organization of the Pilot Scheme; (2) the limitations of the scheme and implications for ETML in general; (3) current developments in Britain; and (4) implications for the future of ETML. (PJM)

Describes the work of the Oxford Project on Diversification of First Foreign Language Teaching (OXPROD). Specifically looks at the difficulties of setting up an investigation which takes account of pupils' language aptitude and attitude in a sample of schools. Outlines future development of the project. (KO)

Ten 1975-80 surveys and studies of FLES programs reported: Americans approve of FLES programs; children profit from FLES programs which stress interpersonal communication skills; and children develop increased interest in academic programs. Positive correlation exists between practice and proficiency in second language acquisition. Different…

Discusses challenges to policymakers stemming from the recent change to the use of Arabic as a medium of instruction at colleges and universities in Arabic-speaking countries, including implementation plans and attitude surveys about Arabicization. It is argued that there is a need for a long-term plan for gradual implementation of the…

States that the major challenge for language educators and educational policymakers is how to implement a national language policy in Australia. Suggests avoiding past mistakes, such as the adoption of a major educational innovation without the concurrent development of the training of personnel, the development of necessary curricular resources…

Lessons learned in the development and implementation of an English language training (ELT) project for Indonesian Civil Service workers are discussed. The project, designed to focus on development of English communication skills, was undertaken in cooperation with the state administration agency. Issues and difficulties discussed include:…

The American Graduate School of International Management (AGSIM) in Glendale, Arizona, founded in 1946, has a tripartite curriculum incorporating modern language instruction, international studies, and world business. All students at AGSIM are required to achieve conversational proficiency in at least one of the eight languages taught there.…

A large-scale, school-based inservice project was mounted to improve the language skills of elementary school teachers in Soweto, South Africa, who were to begin using English as the language of instruction. Methods used to train the teachers, teachers' attitudes toward the project, and the project's effects on children are discussed. (PP)

College language departments report that, although enrollments in Spanish and some Pacific Rim languages are growing rapidly, declines are seen in French and German, traditionally popular, and in many less commonly taught languages. Students are motivated by practical considerations: many find their employment potential is increased by language…

The negotiation and legitimation of academic values are explored through a discussion of a university foreign language department's definition of foreign language requirements, curricular and instructional needs and methods, and staff requirements. The instructional staff's lack of power in defining the program limited their ambition and…

Discusses the presence and significance of linguistics in Italian departments at universities in Australia and worldwide against the background of multiculturalism, the politicization of the Italian population in Australia, and the emergence of Italy as a major economic and political power. Argues that the boundary lines between linguistics and…

Discusses the status of community languages and school language programs in Australia, amid changing public policy, makes suggestions for managing linguistic diversity, and considers what happens when a community language becomes a desired commodity for the whole population. Considers historical context for development of pluralistic policies in…