In the L2 fluency literature there is considerable debate over how best to operationally define pauses and how different pause measures relate to L2 proficiency. This creates a challenge for researchers interested in L2 fluency, and particularly those who are working with groups that vary in L2 proficiency. This article addresses these issues by…

This article presents an investigation of L2 pragmatic development by a group of 19 Chinese EFL teachers who participated in a five-month program in Canada (SA group). A written discourse-completion task (WDCT) was administered to assess participants' pragmatic knowledge of how to make requests in English. They also completed a paper-based…

This study synthesizes the methods and findings of published research investigating second language (L2) learners' linguistic development in study-abroad (SA) contexts. Some studies have demonstrated that SA participation is beneficial to learners' L2 development, whereas others have not supported such a relationship. The first phase of this…

Research on the effectiveness of short-term study-abroad (SA) programs for improving oral skills has shown mixed results. In this study, 24 L2 German learners (L1 English) provided pre- and post-SA speech samples addressing a hypothetical situation and completed surveys on cross-cultural interest and adaptability; L2 communication affect,…

This mixed-method study examines the proficiency in and perceptions of French language learning of Grade 8 students who were exposed to an instructional approach called the Accelerative Integrated Method (AIM). Six AIM classes (n = 125) and six non-AIM classes (n = 135) were observed and their students tested using a four-skills French as a second…

By studying another language, a student's view of his own environment is expanded. (LG)

Urges the combination of explanation and student deduction in the teaching of foreign languages. (LG)

Language laboratory use has traditionally been limited to structural and phonetic exercises. This article discusses ways to tap more effectively the laboratory's potential, and thus to provide superior language instruction for the student. (Text is in French.) (DB)

Three issues of concern in language acquisition are discussed: (1) apparent attrition of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) by puberty; (2) observable differences among second-language learners with respect to LAD efficiency; and (3) whether explicit rules of grammar can become part of linguistic competence. (42 references) (Author/MSE)

Behavioral objectives are discussed in relation to second language learning. They are broken down into cognitive and affective objectives, and difficulties in setting such objectives are discussed. (RM)

Address delivered at the Founding Conference of the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers, Winnipeg, Manitoba, October 23, 1970. (DS)

A fictitious letter from "Johnny" to his former high school language teacher, describing his linguistic experiences in Europe and his feelings about the learning of languages. (DB)

Examines second language (L2) and second culture (C2) acquisition by focusing on identity and more specifically on changes in L2 accent. Explains changes in the L2 accent and later in the first language (L1) accent, applying the metaphor of self-translation as a general framework for explaining processes of L2 learning and L1 loss, and the…

This article discusses ways in which photographs can be most beneficially used in the French language classroom. (Author)