This study investigates how figurative language is processed by learners of a second language (L2). With an experiment testing L2 comprehension of figurative expressions in three categories, each combining shared and unshared first language (L1) and L2 lexical representations and conceptual representations in a different way, the study…

An examination of measures currently used to assess degree of bilingualism in individuals looks at the problems inherent in them, ideal measures, and how to use available measures. It is suggested that definition of bilinguality is a central cause for measurement problems, since a bilingual is assumed to be the sum of two monolinguals, without…

Argues that treatment of foreign language vocabulary will vary predictably according to whether the instructional activity is based on a structural or a lexical/collocational view of language. Notes that in a structural approach, vocabulary learning is primarily a frequency- and input-based individual endeavor, while the lexical approach is more…

A profile of the extent of English usage and instruction in Mexico gives an overview of the following elements: its role and status alongside Spanish and within the educational system at all levels; teacher education; program accreditation; required reading skills; the supply and professional support of English teachers; the type and availability…

Ways in which the field of applied linguistics is evolving in the changing global context are examined. After a brief review of the field's history in the late twentieth century, and of the development of a number of related professional organizations, the emergence of applied linguistics as an interdisciplinary endeavor is discussed. Major areas…

Ten principles based on the interactive nature of language learning and teaching include the following: (1) the student is the language learner; (2) language learning and teaching are shaped by student needs and objectives in particular circumstances; (3) language learning and teaching are based on normal uses of language, with communication of…

Foreign language (FL) needs is a new interdisciplinary area of research developing between applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, and educational planning and evaluation. FL needs consist of the demands, wishes, and expectations of the whole society, its groups and individuals, reflecting the relationship of their contemporary and future existence…

Problems associated with criterion-referenced language testing are discussed in the context of both standardized proficiency testing and classroom assessment. First, different interpretations of criterion-referencing are examined. A range of approaches for defining criteria and performance levels in second language assessment are outlined, and…

This profile, in outline form, of the English language situation in Italy discusses the role of English in society and in the educational system. The following topics are covered: a description of the role and status of English as the principal foreign language in the country; the place of English within the educational system at all levels from…

A summary of the state of English language instruction in Belgium outlines the role and status of English usage in that country; English instruction at 11 levels of the instructional system, including elementary and secondary education in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, university instruction, examinations, and correspondence courses; English…

This monograph attempts to integrate experience and research findings in several related disciplines and bring them to bear on the problem of how to make language programs in schools simultaneously accommodate the needs of both the language curriculum and the general curriculum. It addresses four issues: (1) how specific languages, in all their…

A review of English language usage and instruction in Spain describes the role and status of English in society, and outlines the situation of English-as-a-second-language instruction within the educational system at all levels. The profile covers the following areas: the characteristics, qualifications, and pre- and in-service training of English…

A review of English language usage and instruction in Chile describes the role and status of English in society and outlines the situation of English-as-a-second-language instruction within the educational system at all levels. The profile covers the folLowing areas: the characteristics, qualifications, and pre- and in-service training of English…

This is a report of the results of an investigation of a test of plurality and past tense in standard English (SE). This research replicated Gleason's 1957-58 study in Boston. The subjects were 27 speakers of Hawaiian Creole English (HCE) in a kindergarten class in Honolulu. The results showed that the children produced very few SE plural and past…

Papers presented at the symposium on the relationship between language and culture include, in addition to an opening adress: "Sociosemiotics Across Cultures" (Wolfgang Kuhlwein); "Translation Across Languages or Across Cultures?" (Albrecht Neubert); "Grammatical Categories Across Cultures" (Olga Tomic); "On…