It is proposed that while the sciences have progressed steadily, language teaching methods have swung like a pendulum between two broad approaches: formal and functional. The history of this pattern is outlined, current practices are discussed, and the possibility of escaping from this polarizing cycle is examined. (MSE)

Discusses one approach to teaching French grammar in a university second year communicative-oriented course. (EKN)

Analyzes the problem of grammatical terminology in foreign language instruction pointing out that it cannot be reduced to the dichotomy of explicit v implicit grammar. Observation of language classes showing that, regardless of method, use of metalinguistic statements cannot be avoided suggests an approach tailored to students' proficiency and…

Pursues the argument that grammar teaching in a second-year university degree French course should be in line with the functional/notional communicative aims of the "Lyon a la une" project. Discusses the study of the pragmatic dimension of language as an essential prerequisite to the functional skills fostered by the project. (SED)

An approach to foreign language instruction was worked out to meet the needs of high school students who were preparing to participate in an international exchange program with French students. The approach uses a combination of the notional-functional syllabus and the regular grammar and vocabulary lessons. Examples in French are provided…

Sets out the advantages of a functional/notional syllabus as opposed to a grammatical syllabus. Presents topics around which to build a functional/notional syllabus in teaching college-level French. Makes suggestions, based on students' perception of their communicative needs, for the sequencing of these materials. (PMJ)

This paper focuses on the mechanism by which the successful learner acquires a second language. The author postulates a core language, the common core of the speaker's native and target languages, and states that the second language becomes an extension of this common core. Whatever language-specific features are added while acquiring the second…