Providing cultural elements within the textbook contents is crucial for foreign language learners so that they can attain the authentic language appropriately involving some culture specific expressions that are commonly used in communication. Therefore, it is important for Turkish English learners to understand target culture for effective…

Presents an annotated selection of 33 recent noteworthy books in Spanish for adolescent and reluctant readers. The easy-to-read books have attractive photographs or illustrations. Topics include biographies, cooking, fiction, folklore, health, history, human relationships, poetry, and science and technology. (CB)

The choice of an appropriate foreign language dictionary should be based on careful evaluation of its construction, intended uses, and intended audience. (MSE)

The use of visual aids in the teaching of second-language literature can add a dimension to learning by clarifying meaning and contexts and by deepening students' understanding of literature as an independent art form. (CB)

Compares two approaches to the study of text in a foreign language. The results of the comparison suggest that providing students with a translation of the foreign text and slowly introducing them to reading and appreciating the foreign language text is more beneficial than simply forcing students to translate the foreign language text. (CB)

A project making French language children's books available to German students of French is described. The objective was to make second-language reading an ordinary activity, using the familiarity and pleasure of books to encourage exploration of the world and of the self. (MSE)

Methods for teaching foreign-language literature actually teach students how to approach, understand, and develop their own method of literary criticism through scholarship, interpretation, and theory. (21 references) (CB)

Exploration of and comparisons between structural, stylistic, and linguistic similarities and differences in two modern Chinese semiautobiographical texts points out both authors' methods for depicting the ironies within their socio-political and ideological conditions. (19 references) (CB)

Using a recent, acclaimed French novel about the history of a family for illustration, techniques for literary study in the language class are presented. The approach addresses not only the historical and familial substance of the story but the novel's format, construction, and style. (MSE)

Picture dictionaries and word books published in France and intended for preschool or primary school children are listed and discussed. Their usefulness in promoting foreign language interest is noted, and observations are made about the contents' reflection of social reality. (MSE)

Demonstrates the following four-stage procedure for adapting foreign-language texts to improve college students' Spanish reading proficiency: selecting specific objectives for each section; selecting the linguistic elements needed to realize objectives; stating the type of control that is expected (conceptual, partial, or full); using appropriate…

An issue devoted to the use of science fiction in the French language classroom discusses such topics as the development of the genre, literary techniques, themes, imagery, sociolinguistic elements, and potential classroom activities. (MSE)

Factors that influence teachers' general avoidance of incorporating literary studies in second language instruction include fundamental misconceptions about what constitutes literature; teachers' own lack of reading; over-reliance on a "materials" approach to language teaching; demanding aspects of teaching about literature; and lack of teacher…

An approach to literary analysis of foreign language texts uses the tools provided by the study of semiotics. The technique is illustrated in the analysis of an excerpt from a French novel. (MSE)

This annotated bibliography lists instructional materials for elementary school German language programs. The materials listed include instructional aids, social studies books, science books, dictionaries, songbooks/cassettes, games, posters, magazines, and library books. A list of addresses for publishers of German materials is included. (JL)