Attempts, through clarification of the term "translation," to define and put in place, from a methodological point of view, the latent tendency to reach back to the native language system, and its effect on the learning of the target language. (Text is in French.) (IFS/WGA)

Examines reasons for dissatisfaction with audiolingual methods for language instruction (LG)

The nature of foreign language aptitude and the consequent implications for teaching are discussed. Areas include teaching of aptitudinal skills, diagnosis of individual difficulties, necessity of identifying sounds as unique entities, "audiolingual habit theory" vs. "cognitive code learning theory," and inductive and deductive teaching…

Discusses and defends the innateness hypothesis - that a component of the human mind is a species-specific language learning mechanism--and discusses some implications of that hypothesis. (RM)

An introduction to this issue of "Langue Francaise," which is devoted to a study of the crisis in grammar instruction in French where French is the native language. The issue deals with grammar exercises from linguistic, psycholinguistic and pedagogical points of view. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Examines the strengths and weaknesses of traditional pattern drills while arguing for continued use of the language laboratory. (RL)

This article discusses the problem of the relationship between scientific theory and teaching practice, between the linguist and the language teacher. Language instruction attempts more and more to approximate the mother tongue acquisition process, but the two processes remain distinct. However, good second language pedagogy will lead to…

Throughout the fifties and sixties the methodology of second-language teaching underwent a radical change in response to new communication needs, and under the influence of structural linguistics and behavioral psychology. Unfortunately, the effort did not produce all of the results expected, and this probably for two reasons: on the one hand, it…

Traces the evolution of thought in the field of psycholinguistics ("theory of verbal activity" in Russia) and discusses current research being done in the United States, Europe, and the Soviet Union. A valid method of teaching language cannot be developed without a theory of language acquisition. (Text is in Italian.) (CFM)