This study of written language development and instruction of elementary school children found that realistic approaches are needed in teaching language usage, dialects, and registers. These approaches should include a nonrepetitive instructional system accounting for different linguistic abilities, a diagnostic evaluation of children's written…

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…

This book is a comprehensive treatment of the literature on second language acquisition in childhood, viewed in terms of contemporary process models. After a general introduction on bilingualism in society, six major topics are considered: first-language acquistion, language acquisition and learning in childhood and adulthood, simultaneous…

During the summer of 1967, a 1-week training program was conducted at the University of Hawaii in which seven teachers and six aides were instructed in the use of the Bereiter-Egnelmann teaching strategy for language programs. The Bereiter-Engelmann approach involves concentration upon the development of language skills and facility with basic…

This study focuses on the consequences of immersion experience as a means of developing second language skills. The students involved are 13 to 14 years of age, finishing grade 7 in the public school system. Two forms of immersion are compared, "early" and "late." Early immersion means that students had followed an immersion…

At the Institut Universitaire de Technologie in Nancy, France, most English language teaching has been organized on a mixed extensive/intensive pattern. As a result of certain negative effects of the established "session intensive," another methodology was tried, called "session libre." This session involved several techniques:…

This paper presents a "natural" method of second language learning which stresses contact with native speakers and de-emphasizes textbook learning. The method described here is that used by Baptist missions in eastern Africa to teach Bemba, but is transferrable to any language. Some of the main principles of the method are: (1) language…

This article discusses the reality and benefits of language study programs in the Soviet Union for American students as compared to the expectations of teachers and students. Specific problems concern the areas of phonetics, grammar and conversation. (CLK)

Considers the role of languages and European culture in developing language programs. (RK)

Describes efforts of post-graduate student teachers of the Department of Education, University College Cardiff to equip non-English speaking children with sufficient knowledge of that language to be able to follow the school curriculum. Available from: Speech and Drama, Elizabeth Gradwell, Distribution Manager, The White Cottage, Allington,…

Language laboratories are especially neglected at the intermediate and advanced levels of foreign language learning. Teachers fail to avail themselves of an important teaching tool at a critical point, when the more mechanical aspects of assimilating the target language should give way to gaining an actual communicative competence in it. At the…

This paper examines some of the reasons for the present enrollment crisis in foreign languages and some of the steps that can be taken to remedy it and describes in detail the University of Chicago training program for language teachers. The inherent importance of foreign language study is emphasized here. Since many of the language requirements…

American and Canadian research is reviewed concerning the language needs of native primary students entering English schools from homes where a language other than English is spoken, and a study is reported that contrasted the language performance of children entering school from homes where only English is spoken and from homes where a language…

Author discusses some of the organizational, promotional and advisory duties which she sees as the responsibility of language teachers. (Editor)