This article deals with the issue of gaining proficiency in oral expression in a second language. A functional approach to teaching oral proficiency is outlined, an approach which focuses on the audience as a determining factor in the speaker's linguistic output. Claims in the article are based on an experiment in the teaching of oral proficiency…

This is a summary of a roundtable on Chinese language teaching which focused on the history and present status of Chinese programs at institutions represented by the discussants. Discussion centered around the following points: (1) types of students taking Chinese; (2) methodology; (3) enrollment; and (4) career opportunities. A paper is also…

Examines some problems involved in compulsory second language instruction on the secondary level, and suggests some approaches to second language instruction that stress cognitive development and awareness of language. (AM)

A STUDY WAS MADE OF THE LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY ATTAINED BY FOREIGN LANGUAGE MAJORS IN U.S. COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND OF THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ATTAINMENTS OF THESE LEVELS. THE MLA FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTS FOR TEACHERS AND ADVANCED STUDENTS WERE ADMINISTERED IN 1965 TO 2,775 SENIORS MAJORING IN FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN,…

This article considers the issue of the application of linguistic theory and knowledge about the way language functions to second language teaching. It is suggested that this application should be carried out by taking into account educational factors, such as the intended audience, the teaching methods, and the educational objectives. The choice…

THIS HANDBOOK WAS PREPARED BY TEACHERS OF ADULTS, BASED ON THEIR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE, AS A GUIDE FOR THOSE NEWLY ASSIGNED TO TEACH ENGLISH IN THE AMERICANIZATION PROGRAM OF CALIFORNIA'S ADULT SCHOOLS. CHAPTERS COVER TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS, STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS, WHAT TO TEACH (IN WHICH THE CURRICULUM IS OULINED FOR FOUR SEQUENTIAL LEVELS),…

This is a collection of papers which discusses characteristics of ESL (English as a Second Language) students in Kuwait. The first chapter, "Oral Communication," notes the extreme facility with which these students communicate in English. Chapter Two, "Names," explains how people in Kuwait are named and addressed. Chapter…

Prior to setting forth recommended classroom procedures, this guide discusses the needs and characteristics of the student of English as a second language (ESL) as well as the requirements for successful ESL tutoring. The principles of ESL testing are set forth, and an informal placement pre-test and post test are included. The units of…

Two English language proficiency tests commonly given by universities and colleges to non-English speaking applicants were administered to 338 students in 5 Toronto high schools. The purpose of the testing was to relate test scores to students' background (language, immigrant status) and to school marks (English marks and others). Both tests…

Achievement of former FLES students is compared with a matched group of non-FLES high school students completing an intermediate French course. The Modern Language Association (MLA) Cooperative French Tests were used to determine proficiency in the four language skills. Special attention is given to data analysis and the matching of groups in…

Examines the learning strategies successful language learners employ and suggests that teachers can help their less successful students by paying more attention to learner strategies already seen as productive. (PMP)

This paper describes a teaching strategy involving authentic material in a semi-autonomous learning situation (European civil servants working in the Common Market Administrations in Brussels). A general description of the learners in terms of their backgrounds (ethnic, educational and social) and the conditions and surroundings of their learning…

This review of research in foreign language instruction summarizes and interprets selected studies produced during the period 1963-66. Topics covered include the psychology of learning, comparisons o f methods, language skills, visual-auditory relationships, vocabulary, grammar, and FLES, as well as programed instruction, technological media,…

Examines the constraints on adult second language learners in a bilingual country, their characteristics, and the teaching methods and programs at their disposal. (AM)

With a student body that speaks in 27 different languages, the Glen Forest School in Virginia is prevailing against the confusion of tongues through English as a Second Language. (Editor)