This paper reports on a comparative evaluation of the Phrasal Definition Format of the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English and the Sentence Definition format of the Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary. The study found that English-as-a-Second-Language students expressed strong preferences for having usage examples and for the…

This paper examines the development and testing of a machine-translation program designed to translate English text into Portuguese. A comparison of machine- and human-translated texts, using Brazilian secondary school students as readers, found that they were equally understood, both in terms of main ideas and details. (six references) (MDM)

Discusses how language teachers or departments could evaluate computer-assisted language-learning (CALL) software on a pedagogical basis, emphasizing that classroom teachers already possess much of the knowledge needed to do this. The paper illustrates good practice by matching a learning and teaching approach as currently practiced within British…

This paper reports the success of using authoring languages on master's degree courses at Manchester University, England. Three different packages are described, including their strengths and weaknesses. The role of such packages in teacher training is also highlighted. (11 references) (JL)

Data analysis using the Macintosh SoundEdit software showed that the signal contains the exact reverse of what the phonological rules of assimilation predict, i.e., the rules are not based on actual differences in the acoustic signal. Possible applications of SoundEdit in helping second-language learners improve their pronunciation are discussed.…

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)

Discusses the rationale and criteria for developing "Telegram," an electronic grammar database for English-as-a- Second-Language teachers in Hong Kong. Describes the importance of explicit grammatical knowledge in effective language teaching, and describes the design criteria for "Telegram," which aims to provide a body of…

A year-long project to develop an automatic English grammar text-analysis for Chinese students in Taiwan to help writing revision processes is described. The project analyzed 135 writing samples, developed an electronic dictionary, and researched error analysis, linguistic analysis, and natural language processing in computational linguistics.…

Six computer programs were used for English as a foreign language classes at Sana's University (Yemen) to stimulate whole-class activities (as opposed to small group or individualized activities commonly associated with use of computers). The software, involving spelling, repetition, spoken discourse, games, and map work, was merged into more…