Surveys the linguistic situation as well as the organization of foreign language instruction in the countries of Western Europe. Although linguistic diversity would serve rather than hinder mutual comprehension and cooperation, monolingualism is the usual tendency in most of the countries with the exception of Holland and Luxemburg. (Text is in…

FOR AMERICA TO ACHIEVE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEMS OF MODERN SOCIETY, IN A WORLD WHERE ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL DEPRIVATION ARE THE NORM, THE SPANISH LANGUAGE MUST BE RECOGNIZED AS THE MOST IMPORTANT, AND POTENTIALLY THE MOST REWARDING, PART OF THE MODERN LANGUAGE CURRICULUM. LANGUAGE PREFERENCES IN THE UNITED STATES HAVE GENERALLY FOLLOWED THE…

This report was prepared by participants in the Pre-Conference Workshop for Foreign Language Consultants and Supervisors at the annual meeting of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in November 1974. In part 1, exploratory language programs are described, and goals for such programs are listed in part 2. Part 3 describes five…

The author suggests that educators must (1) realistically assess the ways in which language study can and cannot contribute significantly to the student's overall educational experience and devise new methods which consciously stress goals attainable within the available time period, (2) provide more than one kind of introductory course, and (3)…

An overview of foreign language instruction is seen as a spectrum composed of five distinct areas. The speech includes discussion of concepts related to the curriculum, linguistics, psychology, culture, and a "Master Plan". The author comments on the importance of understanding that language instruction, as an academic pursuit, is directly related…

This report presents the conclusions and recommendations of a residential colloquium concerning modern languages for the 1980's, attended by 70 representatives of various sectors and levels of the educational system. The colloquium was a response to widespread concern about the crisis in language learning in the United Kingdom. The colloquium…

An intensive elementary-level language course for college students, seeking to provide meaningful application of language skills and to improve student attitudes toward second language learning, is described in this report. The three-term course in which students work extensively with undergraduate apprentice teachers while living in language…

This comprehensive booklet treats foreign language instruction development, current practices, and observable trends. Sections on the changing role of foreign language instruction and on methodology are emphasized. Social pressures, international events, and changing educational attitudes since the turn of the century are discussed. Methods used…

"Language and International Studies" is the theme of the 20 papers which appear in this volume and which were presented at the 24th annual Round Table meeting held in March 1973. In addition, the paper of one absent panelist, Wolfgang Kuhlwein, is included. The first panel, consisting of Kuhlwein, Leopold Engels, James Harris, Terence Langendoen,…

This paper outlines the proceedings of a conference on foreign language education held in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1975. Various speakers and panels detailed the history of foreign languages in Wisconsin schools, the price of language education, value of language study, support of languages at university level, and bilingual education. (CHK)

This study discusses problems involved in an attempt to define the minimum level of foreign language competence. That level, defined as the "threshold level," is considered to be the lowest learning objective in the framework of a unit/credit system. The criteria suggested in this paper to determine the threshold level of linguistic competence in…

Presents an overview of the Chinese language teaching situation in Victoria, Australia. (KM)

This article contradicts previous statements by Jack Stein that German literature courses in translation should not be offered by the German department. This paper argues that such courses will not compete with original-language courses, but will provide opportunities to more students to read great works of literature. (CHK)

Following introduction of a reform program by the Ministry of Culture in the FRG, French has slumped in the upper level gymnasium curriculum. Reasons for this are discussed, including students' opinions. Suggests less rigid requirements and more generous grading policies. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)