One in a series of articles relating major European languages to cultural traits or artifacts finds similarities in Russian and the "isba," a country cabin found mostly in the northern part of the country. (MSE)

The fourth in a series of articles on the relationships of European languages to their cultures looks at the role of the theater in Italian culture and the theatricality of the Italian language. (MSE)

Relates characteristics of the Portuguese language to cultural traits of the Portuguese people, focusing on Portuguese history, art, and outlook. (MSE)

In the first of six articles about the links between cultural and linguistic traits, the ways in which French linguistic structures and imagination create a culture are explored. (MSE)

The three following myths are discussed: 1) language is culture, 2) a "Francophony" exists, and 3) there is a dialogue between cultures. The concept of "interculture" is then examined. (MSE)

A study investigated interpretations of gestures by three groups of students (n=81 total), some at least second-generation French, some first-generation French-born of Italian parents, and some recent immigrants to France. Unanticipated differences between and within groups were found. Implications are seen for second-language instruction and for…

The teaching of culture in second-language instruction is discussed from the perspective that cultural instruction should focus less on specific cultural traits or differences and more generally on the ability to exchange ideas about cultural experience. (MSE)

Discusses the problems of teaching French civilization abroad and outlines guidelines for a course in French civilization. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

A biblical story about the mispronunciation of Shibboleth introduces a discussion of the notion of cultural codes and cultural traits relating to language, science, and popular culture that commonly mark an individual as an insider or an outsider of a particular culture. (MSE)

This annotated bibliography cites works produced in French-speaking countries besides France, including Belgium, Canada, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Lebanon, and the French-speaking countries of Africa and the Caribbean area. Each section cites both fiction and non-fiction works. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Phonological, syntactic, and morphological aspects of Danish are viewed as symbolic and representative of the geographic, geological, and meteorological "betweeness" or versatility of the country and its culture. (MSE)

Patterns in the Greek language that have endured over 3000 years, reflecting patterns in Greek thought and civilization, are examined. Phonology and grammatical constructions are emphasized. (MSE)

This annotated bibliography lists works dealing with French civilization that can be used in the teaching of French culture. The entries in the first section have to do with political, economic and social structures, while those in the second section deal with behavior and attitudes of the French people. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Views the Dutch language as analogous to the polder typical of the Netherlands, an area of low-lying land reclaimed from a body of water and protected by dikes. Phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic, and stylistic analyses are presented. (MSE)

Recent trends in French society are outlined, focusing on the decline of major institutions (the state, political parties, unions, education, and church), the decline of civic consciousness, the cult of money and competition, the cult of the media, evolution of social classes, and changes in the role of the family. (MSE)