Characteristics to be considered in selecting instructional materials for cultural aspects of foreign language education are discussed, including expository vs. non-expository, interpretive vs. non-interpretive, allusive vs. explicit, and complex vs. simplistic. (MSE)

The choice of an appropriate foreign language dictionary should be based on careful evaluation of its construction, intended uses, and intended audience. (MSE)

A discussion of the many ways that audiovisual aids can support language instruction concludes that the use of audiovisuals is intimately tied to the conditions under which instruction takes place. (MSE)

Considerations in the selection and use of a video document for classroom language instruction are outlined and a variety of activities using videos are suggested. (MSE)

A list of subjects and sources of pictures for a classroom "picture bank" is suggested. Tips are given for the use and conservation of pictures, and a classification scheme and ideas for language and civilization instruction are included. (MSE)

Several issues in the selection of instructional materials and methods for French foreign language instruction are discussed, focusing on the images of France and the French population to be projected. A definition of civilization, a method for analyzing French civilization, and teaching techniques are proposed. (MSE)

Discusses the notion of "authentic materials" (i.e., not designed for pedagogical use) and the problems of using them in a French-as-a-second-language classroom. Methods for using these materials are suggested. (AM)

Teachers of French as a second language are warned that the television news magazine, while offering a convenient format and some important information for instruction, may be limiting in its perspectives and assumptions. Careful attention to the program's varied content is as important as attention to its style. (MSE)

The design of instructional and reference materials for French language teaching is discussed, focusing on design principles that facilitate individual, independent learning of vocabulary. (MSE)

Ideas for using brief literary extracts to study personal interactions in a foreign language are offered. A sample sketch is presented, and class exercises designed to teach skills while examining the text creatively are outlined. (MSE)

Suggestions are made for choosing popular songs for classroom language study and for promoting their appreciation and interpretation. Examples are included. (MSE)

Examines the characteristics of Languages for Special Purposes and some of the problems involved in the teaching of these languages. (AM)

The problems and value of television as instructional material for the second-language classroom are discussed, and a new videocassette series produced by the journal "Francais dans le Monde" is described. Criteria for topic and segment selection are outlined, and suggestions are made for classroom use. (MSE)

It is suggested that in the study of literature it may be as instructive to look carefully at what is excluded from the conventional syllabus as to study what is in the textbooks. A poem by Andre Breton is used as an illustration. (MSE)

Proposes the use of literary dialogues as a good source of classroom material because they tend to be relatively authentic and concern original situations. Suggestions are made for using literary dialogues in the classroom, and examples and ideas for choosing materials are provided. (MSE)