Describes the experience of three American children learning French in a francophone environment. Discusses the patterns of French language use that emerged during their first year in Paris, identifying four distinct stages, and suggests criteria for measuring learners' success. Emphasizes communication and functional language skills rather than…

This article (1) discusses the relationship between grammatical and communicative competence; (2) examines aspects of grammar theory; (3) discusses pedagogical problems inherent in traditional notions of grammar; and (4) summarizes the pedagogical and research implications of a new perspective on the role of grammar in foreign language…

Pragmatic competence in second language (L2) speech acts, specifically in requests, is examined through data obtained from native speakers of English who are learning Spanish. Attention is focused on whether L2 learners transfer first language rules of politeness to L2 speech production. (41 references) (Author/OD)