This article describes a research study of a three-semester elementary Italian language curriculum at a large Midwestern research university that incorporates intercultural competence (IC) training through cognitive dissonance image analyses, conversations with native speakers, classroom discussion, and reflections to determine the impact of this…

The educational impacts of mandated assessment in U.S. colleges is part of a growing research agenda focused on how methodologies of program evaluation best enable educators to improve teaching and learning. Accordingly, research has tried to identify the key aspects of evaluation/assessment "capacity" in college language departments…

Oral Proficiency Interviews (OPIs) are widely used to measure speaking ability in a second or foreign language. The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) Speaking Test is an OPI used for academic and professional purposes around the world. However, little research on this or other OPIs has quantitatively compared test takers' speech…

Community service learning (CSL) is a type of experiential learning that blends specific course content with real-world applications and ties them together through structured reflection. It is an ideal pedagogy for 21st-century language for specific purposes (LSP) programs. This article frames that argument around sociocultural theory, moves to a…

Although it has existed for many decades in the national curriculum of U.S. higher education, the study of languages for business purposes has lacked a more serviceable and academically communal name--a more rigorous toponymic identity--by which to identify itself as a theory-based field of scholarship. The intention here is to propose for…

Presents study conducted to investigate effect of speed and order of presentation of verb tenses on students' acquisition of present/past distinction. Results show early introduction of past tense will not facilitate acquisition of tense distinction. (BK)

Incidental focus on form is one of several ways to direct language learners' attention to formal aspects of language within meaningful communicative contexts. Learners can benefit from focus on form, but the extent to which incidental focus on form, or any other type, is available to learners in advanced foreign language literature classes has not…

Contends that German film has had uncinematic handling in American universities. Presents alternative approach and counter proposal surveying crucial highlights of Germany's film heritage. (BK)

Presents study to determine effect of visuals on listening comprehension process in second language learning. Concludes visual aids have beneficial effects but visuals in and of themselves do not necessarily enhance comprehension. Results imply that visuals can affect process of comprehension as well as what is comprehended (context). (Author/BK)

Discusses use of cognates and common loan words as way to teach German vocabulary to English speakers to help build new passive vocabulary more rapidly in target language. (BK)

Describes survey on computer assisted instruction (CAI) in foreign languages at four-year colleges in the U.S. Results show those using it are enthusiastic, while those not using it cite cost, suspiciousness of professors toward modern technology, and lack of experienced personnel as reasons. (Author/BK)

Discusses literature readability in foreign language classrooms. Gives results of study stressing use of predictive statistical device to determine difficulty students will encounter when reading specific literary texts. Suggests linguistic complexity of a text affects accessibility, comprehensibility, and enjoyability, and this should be looked…

Provides results of the Modern Language Journal's annual survey of doctoral degrees granted in foreign languages, literatures, and linguistic in foreign language education in the United States. (Author/VWL)

Discusses techniques for helping second language students develop strategies for dealing with unfamilar words and long sentences in second language texts. (EKN)

Describes use of teleprompter to assist foreign language instructor in stimulating coversation in classroom. (BK)