First the author discusses the question of the most propitious age for beginning the learning of a second language. He then describes the experimental FLES curriculum of the State of Baden-Wurttemberg and analyzes its results to date. (Text is in German.) (TL)

THE AUTHOR BASES HIS APPROACH TO TEACHING LANGUAGES ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT MOST PEOPLE LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BETTER WHEN IT IS PRESENTED AS ONE ASPECT OF COMMUNICATION, RATHER THAN AS AN ABSTRACT SYSTEM. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THIS "MODULAR PRINCIPLE," WHICH HE HAS FOLLOWED IN FOUR FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE BEGINNING SWAHILI COURSES,…

Various ways of incorporating area studies into the curriculum are examined. The three approaches mentioned in the title are found impractical. The best approach for the foreign language teacher is to put the language first, and bring in area study items where appropriate. (WGA)

ALTHOUGH NATHAN ROSEN'S ARTICLE IN A 1966 ISSUE OF "THE SLAVIC AND EAST EUROPEAN JOURNAL" (ED 011 175) DID PINPOINT THE FACT THAT NO WORTHWHILE ACTIVE CONTROL OF THE VOCABULARY AND STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF RUSSIAN COULD BE ACHIEVED IN A TRADITIONAL 2-YEAR PROGRAM, HE DID NOT, WITH HIS PROPOSED USE OF READERS WITH FACING TRANSLATIONS, OVERCOME THE…

Eight recent monographs and collections on area and culture study in foreign language teaching are discussed and compared. The focus is on the various authors' definitions of the topic (culture, civilization, realia, etc.). Mentioned also is the function of area study in the course. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This article discusses: (1) the training facilities for translators and interpreters in Belgium, France, Holland, England, and Canada; and (2) various opinions concerning methodology for teaching translation, present and future demands for translation, and criteria for assessing the quality of a translation. (CLK)

An argument to enhance the status of phonology in the modern language curriculum. (RS)

Presents an analysis of the various concerns that must be addressed in modern language syllabus design. A questionnaire on students' communicative needs is included. An attempt is made to differentiate among different syllabus forms. (AM)

Suggests guidelines for the teaching of culture and presents a possible classroom vehicle. It is emphasized that while refinements of civilization should not be ignored, culture as perceived by the man on the street should be of central concern, particularly in early states of language study. (EJS)

The desirability of learning the foreign civilization in conjunction with learning a foreign language is discussed, and an approach to civilization study to be incorporated in foreign language study is set out. (RM)

Basic assumptions implicit in course design for foreign languages are examined. The course must first satisfy the basic needs of the learner, later his sociolinguistic or psycholinguistic needs. Relevance of materials is looked at in terms of framework of a course, role of situational teaching, and conduct of the lesson. (SCC)

Reviews the place of behavioral objectives in the foreign language curriculum. Paper delivered as part of a debate on Behavioral Objectives: Pro and Con" held on November 26, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, at the Annual Meeting of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). (DS)

Describes pilot classes in culture-oriented French and Spanish instruction conducted over a two-year period. (KM)