Paper presented at the FIPLV Congress, Saarbrucken, West Germany, April 4, 1972. (RL)

Von Humboldt wrote in 1836 that "....one cannot really teach language but can only present the conditions under which it will develop spontaneously in the mind in its own way..." The author critically illustrates his reasons for supporting this theory of language learning. Concluding remarks summarize advantages and disadvantages of using…

The relative importance of content-oreinted teaching materials in German universities and public schools is examined in this survey of language textbooks and teaching methods. It is noted that despite a growing interest in structural linguistics at the university level, school grammars are primarily content-oriented and based on Hans Glinz's…

This article examines several aspects of folklore characteristic of the region of Roanne, France, during the 1950's. The town of Roanne, located between Clermont Ferrand and Lyon on the Loire River, is described in terms of its festive activities during serveral key holidays. The erosion of various customs and traditions, an inevitable result of…

This minicourse guide for teachers of French is intended to help motivate and prepare students for travel in France. Activities are outlined in eleven related areas, including (1) planning for the trip, (2) currency, (3) going through customs, (4) tipping, (5) shopping, (6) guided tours, (7) touring on your own, (8) social life and entertainment,…

An imaginary trip to Spain is outlined in this minicourse guide. Several of the course objectives are (1) to give students a broad overview of Spain--historically, geographically, and culturally; (2) to develop interest in Spain and the Spanish language; (3) to introduce useful Spanish vocabulary; (4) to develop an awareness of cultural…

This annotated bibliography provides teachers of Russian with a comprehensive guide to instructional materials. Entries are classified under: (1) audio-visual courses, (2) audio-lingual courses, (3) course books, (4) visual teaching aids, (5) audio teaching aids, (6) language laboratory drills, (7) reference grammars, (8) translations, essays,…

This guide to instructional materials for teachers of Spanish contains references to commercially-prepared works in several classified areas. The works listed are intended for use in grades ranging from kindergarten through senior high school and also include materials for adult education. The 10 categories cover: (1) audiovisual materials, (2)…

Discussion of teaching methods used with the text, "Deutsch, Erstes Buch" by Hugo Mueller, focuses on practical approaches to the problem of teaching culture through the spoken language and the use of pattern practice. While concentrating on Chapter Eight, "In der Sommerfrische," discussion is presented in subdivisions characteristic of every…

This bibliography lists some 400 references for the teaching of culture and civilization and was compiled for teachers of foreign languages in American schools and colleges. Each item included in the study meets one or more of the following criteria: (1) it was submitted to ERIC or published in a source readily accessible to foreign language…

Two essential concepts are developed in this paper: (1) the first year of language instruction is a period in which the student should gain basic command of the target language verbally and develop reading skills as well, and (2) the "comfort level" in reading should be retained as the student progresses. The latter, the author suggests, assures…

Introductory remarks and suggestions for the possible use of reading materials included in this annotated bibliography precede the 38 entries classified according to grade level. The informational data includes: author, title, source, and availability. Annotations refer to format, level indicated, grammar, theme or plot, projected teaching use,…

An outline of principles for the construction of study materials is presented, including: (1) an analysis of prerequisites: goals, pupils, and language; (2) analysis of the educational process in experiments on method; (3) analysis of products with tests of various kinds; and (4) a description of the process of constructing study materials…

Suggestions for improving undergraduate language texts focus on four areas of concern. The author recommends that: (1) texts carefully delimit and objectively specify their scope, (2) writing be personalized, (3) materials be contextually exciting and challenging, and (4) objectives be "goal-oriented." (RL)