Developing proficiency and intercultural competence are goals promoted by the Modern Language Association and widely shared by postsecondary second language programs across the United States. Although the development of proficiency has been studied extensively in this context, comparatively little is known about how intercultural competence…

This study investigated foreign language teachers' beliefs about the research-pedagogy link by focusing on research-oriented universities. Participants (N = 107) held different roles at their universities: graduate students (n = 17), full-time second language (L2) instructors (n = 69), and language program directors (n = 21). Data were collected…

We present results of 2006 and 2008 replications of the 2000 General Social Survey (GSS), which included nine questions on languages other than English (LOEs) spoken (Robinson, Rivers, & Brecht, 2006). In 2000, 26% claimed they could speak another language, with 10% saying they could speak it "very well." In 2000, foreign language…

This article reports the results of a national survey of LSP offerings in U.S. higher education conducted during 2011. The survey updates one carried out by Christine Uber-Grosse and Geoffrey M. Voght in 1990. The data provide: (a) a profile of institutions that offer LSP; (b) an overview of the number, type, level, and enrollment in LSP courses;…

Describes a survey designed to gather information that would: (1) present a summative view of secondary school administrators' perceptions of foreign language programs, (2) provide a picture of the status of the language department within the total school environment, and (3) suggest specific actions to improve foreign language programs and their…

Student attitudes toward the study of literature in a foreign language were examined, based on a survey of introduction to literature courses in French and Spanish. Most students revealed positive attitudes. A review of previous research and the survey instrument are included. (38 references) (LB)

Describes a survey of the heads of doctoral degree-granting foreign language departments to determine whether there was sufficient unanimity among them as to which journals are considered important outlets for major research efforts. Although some journals were mentioned much more frequently than others, no true ranking emerged from the survey.…

Describes a survey done to measure the extent to which courses in foreign languages for special purposes (FLSP) are part of the curriculum in higher education. Sixty-two percent of the responding colleges and universities offer FLSP courses. Survey results indicate growth potential of this relatively new field.

Reports on an investigation of enrollment of minority groups, primarily Black, in foreign language programs at Indiana University. Provides statistics from 1974 to 1976 comparing enrollment figures for minority and nonminority students and correlates high school scores and college admission measures with participation and success in the study of…

Uses data from a survey of 326 centers of foreign language education to discuss (1) what kinds of courses and specializations are being offered, (2) how the curriculum is meeting the changing needs of the nation, and (3) what future development can be realistically anticipated. (EKN)

A survey designed to collect, analyze, and present information about the position of Spanish for business in the contemporary modern language curriculum showed that business Spanish is a growing field of particular interest to language and business majors. (EKN)

Analysis of the responses to a survey regarding the instruction of language for specific purposes indicated that this instruction was an established part of the foreign-language curriculum at most of the responding four-year institutions. Courses were most likely to be at institutions that had professional schools, entry or exit foreign-language…

In a study of learners' levels of comfort with language activity types allowing differing degrees of interaction, 110 first-year college students of French, Spanish, and Italian were surveyed at a university and community college. Results suggest the value of activities facilitative of negotiated interaction. The questionnaire is appended. (10…

One instructor's experiences teaching French to prison inmates is recounted. Descriptions of the students, instructional environment, limitations of the textbook, and student creativity are accompanied by a quantitative analysis of the inmates' academic achievement. Their grades did not differ noticeably from those of students taught by the author…

Examined the language and cultural attitudes of middle school students participating in a foreign language exploratory program. Some students participated in culture-related lessons that employed attitude-change theory. Results demonstrated that many students enter their first language class with misconceptions about language learning that may…