This article explores what happens when humans, objects, and digital technology collaborate in creating a short stop-motion film. It investigates how animation making as a hugely repetitive mechanical process interlinks with language, communication, and learning, and how it can affect our responsiveness and readiness to communicate. The article…

This article explores one teacher/researcher's development of a drama-language unit and the learners' responses to it. The work is underpinned by a model of intercultural language learning which also acknowledges the pluricultural and plurilingual contexts in which foreign languages are taught in Australia. As part of a…

Recent literature in second language (L2) perceived fluency has focused on English as a second language, with a primary reliance on impressions from native-speaker judges, leaving learners' self-perceptions of speech production unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between learners' and judges' perceptions of French fluency under…

There is mounting evidence that phonological memory (PM), a sub-component of working memory, is closely related to various aspects of second language (L2) learning in a variety of populations, suggesting that PM may be an essential cognitive mechanism underlying successful L2 acquisition. This article provides a brief critical review of the role…

Reports the results of an experiment designed to identify and define learning behaviors characteristic of successful adult students in an intensive language program. Findings are interpreted in terms of an information processing model. (AM)

The following three beliefs about language learning are discussed: the study of languages provides rigorous training for the mind; it should lead to a more precise understanding, appreciation, and use of one's native tongue; and students should be guided to the stage where they can learn primarily through self-instruction. (SW)

Discusses the superiority of information processing (IP) theory to stimulus-response theory, specifically in terms of language comprehension, language production, and the role of memory. (KM)

Some of the cognitive and affective factors influencing second language reading comprehension are reviewed, and an instructional technique designed to both guide the reading process and develop comprehension at several levels is described. Teachers are urged to develop process-oriented reading comprehension activities in collaboration with…

This article discusses the question of the optimal age for second language learning by providing some background and by comparing relevant British and Canadian language teaching programs. (CLK)

Recent research is reviewed demonstrating positive effects of bilingualism on cognitive development, some explanation of this research are given, and an interpretation is offered bearing on the variability of memory codes in bilinguals. Results of a study dealing with memory codes are presented and discussed. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

This article deals with the role of attitudes in second language acquisition suggested by a social psychological interpretation of the processes involved, and examines several extracurricular programs designed to improve student attitudes and motivation. (CLK)

A comparison of three models of language learning: the Creative Construction Hypothesis, the Interlanguage Hypothesis and The Approximate Systems Model. Evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that the third model which incorporates both functional and linguistic analysis describes second language learning and explains why learners progress…

Presents listening comprehension strategies used by students learning French. Through interviews, students described their conscious use of strategies in different contexts. All evidenced a familiarity with metacognitive, cognitive, and socioaffective techniques. (50 references) (Author/CK)

Examines how educational, cognitive, and developmental psychology can contribute to the renewal of second-language (L2) teaching and learning. The premises of these fields indicate that teachers of foreign languages cannot rely solely on rote learning of the rules of the language, but must engage their students in active discourse. (37 references)…

Explores the phenomenon of second language speech fluency and how it may be facilitated through instruction. An overview of research on fluency in second language speech is presented; empirical research is discussed in light of psycholinguistic knowledge about mental processes underlying second language production, and a model is posited that…