This article briefly examines structural and transformational theories and their associations with other theories, particularly learning psychology. The implications of each position for FL teaching are examined, and it is suggested that teachers enrich structurally based audiolingual techniques with experimental infusions from the…

Aspects of language instruction which "derive from the nature of language itself" are discussed in this study. The notion that language teachers should teach grammar exclusively is disputed. This position is based on the following generalizations presented in an analysis of the nature of grammar and language: (1) language comprises more than what…

This paper attempts to give a unified view of the workings of noun clauses. These are considered according to three main types corresponding to three different kinds of source sentences. All three types can be used in any usual noun-phrase function, especially subject, direct object, and prepositional object. Four factors which complicate the…

This transformational approach to teaching German, initiated in the fall of 1965, describes an experimental course at McGill University consisting of 156 hours spread into 26 weekly installments of one laboratory and five lecture hours. Detailed in this article are: (1) a priori claims concerning methods, (2) theoretical assumptions about learning…

Recommends the "distributional" and transformational grammar approach as especially suitable for developing a teaching grammar for dealing with the French simple infinitive and infinitive with "de". (IFS/WGA)

The serious student of language, English or foreign, and especially the future language teacher must receive a solid training not only in theoretical but also in applied syntax. Such a course should be offered at the advanced level and deal with the syntax of the language involved in a rigorously systematic way. The search for a systematic, yet…

A review of trends in the teaching of foreign language during the last decade focuses on the predominance of the audiolingual method and current criticism by leading theorists of its theoretical foundations. Discussion of a psychological model of learning explores the relationships of motivation, cognition, evaluation, and response formation. The…

Second language learners must acquire a generative system of grammar. There is, as yet, no way of describing notions in generative terms. Long-term syllabuses will have to continue to be syntactically based, but the incorporation of notions from a checklist is acceptable. (Author/JB)

Pessimism regarding pedagogical applications of contrastive studies, and reasons therefore, are described. Several misunderstandings believed to contribute to this pessimism, and several areas of controversy concerning uses of contrastive studies, are discussed. See FL 508 197 for availability. (RM)

The question whether second languages should be taught by the deductive or inductive method is discussed, and an argument is made for a middle ground between the two extremes. (RM)

Recommends introducting appropriate grammar instruction following pattern drill on various structures. Examples given (from French) are: partitive articles, certain perfect tense forms, and personal pronouns. This makes possible instruction entirely in the target language. For grammatical models, distributive structuralism and…

This article reviews the historical development of applied linguistics in foreign language instruction. Five major principles influencing early applied linguistic theory are summarized, emphasizing the oral nature of language. Central to the article are discussions of: (1) prescriptive or normative grammar, (2) transformational grammar, (3)…

Argues for a uniform procedure, along with a theoretical basis, such as is now being tested at the German for Foreigners section of the University of Hamburg. Suggests three requirements for supplementary measures which should increase language competence. Transformation exercises are explained. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Discusses and exemplifies the author's use of transformational methods to clarify the seemingly arbitrary use of "de" and "a" to introduce the infinitive in French. (Text is in French.) (MSE)

Revised form of a paper given December 2, 1970 at a meeting of the Dutch Teachers of German in Woudschoten/Amsterdam, Netherlands. (RS)