Foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) is 'a distinct complex set of self-perceptions, beliefs, feelings and behaviours related to classroom language learning arising from the uniqueness of the language learning process' (Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope 1986: 128) [Foreign language classroom anxiety. "The Modern Language Journal" 70, no. 2:…

Employability is increasingly becoming a central aspect of higher education in the United Kingdom and it is becoming imperative that modern foreign languages teachers engage directly and sincerely with the employability agenda. This article proposes the use of feature films as a successful method for developing and promoting employability skills…

With anglophone countries now experiencing unprecedented levels of ethnic and linguistic diversity, it is considered increasingly important that young people learn to communicate in ways which are effective for the multilingual and intercultural contexts they live in, will work in and will travel to. One of the key vehicles for promoting and…

This study explored the impact of listening strategy training conducted within two strategy interventions on pre-intermediate and intermediate EFL learners' comprehension of unidirectional listening. Participants were divided into two experimental groups (n = 156) and a comparison group (n = 50). Each experimental group was trained in eight…

Given the growing importance of English as a lingua franca, this study examines which context (classroom instruction in the students' home country vs. studying abroad in an English-speaking country) better facilitates the acquisition of English by learners of different ages: children, adolescents and adults. Participants (N = 197) completed…

Discusses the dichotomy between traditional expectations of advanced courses and the actual capabilities of many of the present generation of language students. One result of this dichotomy has been the disappearance of medieval and philological studies from the teaching programs of most modern- language degree schemes in the United Kingdom. (CK)

Reports results from the Nuffield Modern Language Inquiry, which surveyed 586 college language students about their experiences in year-abroad exchange programs. Questions focused on students perceived improvement in language and cultural knowledge and future employment prospects. (six references) (MDM)

Discusses a survey of college students who studied abroad in a Russian-speaking country and were asked questions concerning program content and motivational factors. Students indicated that they were not prepared well enough for the year abroad and have definite ideas about how to improve the content and orientation of Russian-language courses.…

Discusses a survey conducted to assess the correlation between student concepts of an ideal graduate linguist and actual language ability. Little agreement exists among students about what skills an ideal graduate should possess. There is a high level of complacency among respondents regarding their own language ability. (three references) (CK)