Proceeding from attempts (which are presented) at text-pragmatic discourse analysis, the article analyzes chanson and hit-song texts of similar theme, in their speaker-hearer relation as a process in the communication situation. The interpretation aspects gained produce an observation grid which should have validity also for school "text…

Using as an example indirect discourse in English, the article shows in detail how the introduction of "pragma-linguistic dimensions" requires a different approach from that of the traditional pedagogy, for teaching FL with communicative ability as the chief goal. Concrete teaching suggestions are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

An analysis of exercises concerning indirect, direct and free discourse appearing in tests of the "premier cycle," from both pedagogical and linguistic points of view. The thesis is that a method giving primacy to manipulative exercises based on prefabricated sentences militates against discourse and communication. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The emergence of the "pragmatic" approach, in which the concepts of symmetric communication and discourse competence stand out, is seen as creating a danger that sociological and philosophic interests will overshadow linguistic ones. (IFS/WGA)

A study based on recordings of oral information given to the public at information desks. On the basis of the study, sociolinguistic rules valid for the manner of initiating conversation in like situations are derived. Suggestions are offered for the use of such data in foreign language classes. (AMH)

Tape-recorded conversations provide a basis for analysis of fixed expressions, cliches, filled pauses and false starts in spontaneous speech. The meaning of these findings for second language learning and instruction is discussed. (CHK)

Proposes an approach to effective communication instruction which avoids the use of techniques and instead emphasizes the linguistic, logical, psychological, and sociological analysis of discourse. (AM)

This article discusses various studies that deal with understanding written and oral discourse and demonstrates the implications of these studies for second language teaching. (CFM)

Comments on samples of role playing taken from English-teaching material used in the sixth grade, trying to ascertain what the requirements are for communication and what the characteristics of typical speech behavior are. The text analysis is followed by suggestions for planning the teaching procedure.

Turn-taking in language classroom discourse is analyzed in order to discover patterns of instructional teacher-pupil exchange. It is concluded that traditional modes of second language instruction (especially in English as a second language) tend to stifle student initiative. Since students rarely have the opportunity to open an exchange, it is…

Discusses stylistic variation in communication, the elements involved (participants, contact, message, context, and code), and ways in which to incorporate the knowledge of this process in second language instruction. (AM)

This paper discusses an ongoing experiment in teaching the communicative values of intonation to second-year students in an English department at a French university. The communication needs of the learners are described in terms of academic activities (e.g., formal discussion) and social contact. A basic three-term structure -- opening,…

A list of 87 French expressions that are commonly used in discussion and argumentation is presented. The list was compiled from over 200 documents consisting of transcriptions of radio or television programs and transcriptions of discussions or interviews published in newspapers or periodicals. The material utilized was in the form of dialogues…

The contrast between written language and oral language did not really begin to attract attention until second language teaching defined as its goal the acquisition of a communicative tool rather than a literary tool. This focus on communication made necessary the distinction between language used for oral communication and language used for…

Talk is proposed as the subject matter of foreign language courses. The key to acquiring liberated expression lies in the assimilation of the learner to the target culture. Once he/she is assimilated, the learner's involvement in a situation matches the involvement of natives of the target culture. For example, faced with some life circumstance…