Reviews research regarding the role of correction feedback in second-language acquisition, exploring why, what, and how language should be corrected and who should correct language. (Author/CB)

Discusses the theories of contrastive analysis and error analysis in second language learning with regard to the idea that a language closely related to one's own native language is easier to learn that a remotely related one. (EKN)

Discusses the potential value of contrastive analysis (CA) in second language teaching. Describes the psychological basis of CA, briefly reviews the linguistic developments and some of the criticisims of CA, and concludes that both CA and error analysis are useful in understanding the second language learning process. Discusses the classroom…

A brief summary of this conference, focussing on foreign and second language testing, is given. Topics covered include: publishers' tests, semantic aspects of error analysis, factor analysis and language proficiency, learning style identification, the foreign language placement test of the U.S.A.F. Academy, assessment of language dominance, and…

Analysis of errors made by students learning a second language often reveals active attempts to master the L2 rules. Awareness of error patterns can help language teachers make correction a positive experience and an aid to learning. (CHK)

Teachers of English as a second language can try to help students build up a listening fluency so they can detect their own errors in English when it "sounds wrong." One procedure for this is explained; it involves learning discriminations through hypothesis testing of contrasts and providing immediate feedback. (CHK)

The methodology used to determine readability of English texts (cloze procedure and word lists) is not applicable to foreign-language material. Linguistic variables are proposed as the basis for readability formulas. Contrastive and error analysis are possible strategies. (JB)

Reviews the research on first and second language acquisition, enumerates some basic features of human language learning, and discusses implications for the foreign language classroom. (RM)

Examines second-language classroom applications of computerized text analysis by English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) writers, suggesting that the Grammatik III disk-based text analyzer may not be a suitable addition to ESL composition pedagogy. (16 references) (Author/CB)

Discusses problems encountered in reading of English by foreign students who are unaccustomed to English script. Considering two levels of reading, students having difficulties at one level will regress by reason of vertical decalage to a lower level of learning strategy. This is manifested by a more intent focus on individual letters if the pupil…

Describes a software package for computer-assisted language learning, designed to put the text handling and "number crunching" capabilities of the microcomputer to use in the foreign language classroom. Done in ways compatible with the learner's own natural needs and strategies, it also gives the classroom teacher a significant degree of control…

A case is made against the educational application with nonproficient writers of "canned" feedback provided by text analysis computer programs marketed as grammar checkers and style analyzers. The feedback does not teach students. Alternative approaches for giving students feedback in the electronic medium are offered. (46 references) (Author/LB)

Introduces the technique of computer-aided error analysis, a new approach to analyzing learner errors in second-language learning. Data used to demonstrate the technique consist of a 150,000-word corpus of English written by intermediate and advanced-level French-speaking learners. The study concludes that error analysis is worthwhile,…

Analysis of spelling errors collected from final examinations of native-Arabic speaking students majoring in English found significant differences in frequencies of error types among remedial and advanced students. Mispronunciation and lack of awareness of spelling rules and regular spelling patterns strongly contributed to spelling errors, even…

Explores the potential of the use of voice-recognition technology with second-language speakers of English. Involves the analysis of the output produced by a small group of very competent second-language subjects reading a text into the voice recognition software Dragon Systems "Dragon NaturallySpeaking." (Author/VWL)