This article discusses how amusing mistakes can make for serious language instruction. The notion that close analysis of language errors can yield insight into how one thinks and learns seems fundamentally obvious. Yet until relatively recently, language errors were primarily treated as indicators of learner deficiency rather than opportunities to…

Describes an approach to teaching standard English to basic students that puts them at ease. Discusses "linguistic drift," the changes that take place in language over time. Describes a daily one-minute-drill listening exercise in standard English that is effective and leaves most of classtime to explore rich verbal experiences. (PRA)