Conversation is not easy to teach because of the absence of natural stimuli. Role-playing is seen as the best way to practice natural and interesting conversation. (IFS/WGA)

This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of conversation classes for learning a foreign language, and outlines three basic prerequisites for a successful conversation class: a small, homogeneous group, actual facts and ideas available for discussion, and a basic working vocabulary. (CLK)

Discusses the differences in conversational structures and verbal strategies between languages and cultures and the teaching of such differences. The use of literary texts is advocated. (AM)

Data to be used for evaluating university foreign language departmental practices in the oral aspects of language usage were gathered from questionnaire responses. The study was limited to undergraduate programs in French and Spanish and involved data from 155 department heads. A list of items studied and their mean importance ratings is provided.…

Learning to swim and learning a foreign language are analagous activities, in that both are skills learned for different reasons. Few foreign language students will attain "near-native fluency;" nor will many of them become interpreters or teachers. Foreign language teachers must therefore revise priorities, restructure courses, adjust methods,…