Von Humboldt wrote in 1836 that "....one cannot really teach language but can only present the conditions under which it will develop spontaneously in the mind in its own way..." The author critically illustrates his reasons for supporting this theory of language learning. Concluding remarks summarize advantages and disadvantages of using…

Student attitudes toward foreign language instruction are examined by means of an overview of 12 surveys conducted at high schools and colleges across the U.S. Findings indicate that students who are unsatisfied with their progress in learning a foreign language may have set unrealistic goals for themselves at the outset. Often they feel they are…

This illustrated booklet on career opportunities requiring proficiency in a second language is intended primarily for students in elementary and secondary schools. Cartoon figures clarify the statistical information and help the student understand the many and varied kinds of vocational careers available. Teachers will find this a helpful…

This brochure for parents and prospective students of French points out career opportunities available to qualified speakers of French. Suggestions concerning student eligibility and the time requirements of language programs are also offered. (RL)

This article, concerning the role of foreign language instruction within the framework of career education, provides a brief review of newly emerging educational theory. Several definitions of career education trace their origins back to the "life adjustment" educational philosophy proposed by John Dewey. A model program for career education, the…

Recognizing that the tenets of behaviorism and structuralism are being questioned today by the advocates of the new cognitive-transformationalist theory, the authors represented in this collection of papers redefine the potential role and discuss the function of the language laboratory in second language acquisition. Papers given at the 1970…

Criticism of traditional methods of foreign language vocabulary study points out the need for a well-organized and systematic approach to information retrieval. A dual method is proposed which involves a learning and retrieval unit. Detailed description of the two systems illustrates how the student may allot and use his revision time in the most…

The nature and dimensions of the crises facing the language teaching profession are explored in this speech. Community and teacher attitudes must be redirected if language learning is to remain at the center of humanistic education. In achieving such change, teachers are exhorted to become "consumer-oriented" and utilize existing media to their…

A brief analysis and definition of general linguistics focuses on distinct areas of study within the science, including descriptive, historical, comparative, and computational linguistics. Other branches of the science discussed are psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, and dialectology. Technical concepts encountered in the literature are also…

This guide is intended for teachers of modern languages planning to individualize their instruction. Materials include suggestions for classroom management, and the role of the teacher and the responsibility of the student for the success of his learning program are defined. A format for creating learning activity packets will assist the teacher…

A case for inservice training programs for language teachers in public schools is developed in this paper. Key reasons showing the need for such programs focus on: the new teacher involved in team teaching, independent study programs, and individualized instruction; social and educational change; program articulation and coordination; and teacher…

Foreign language teachers are urged to consider the interrelatedness of language and culture and the importance of making cultural instruction an integral part of their program. Reasons for teaching culture and practical suggestions for the development of resource materials, based on practical experience, are developed. The newspaper is discussed…

Suggestions for improving undergraduate language texts focus on four areas of concern. The author recommends that: (1) texts carefully delimit and objectively specify their scope, (2) writing be personalized, (3) materials be contextually exciting and challenging, and (4) objectives be "goal-oriented." (RL)

Reports of lectures and discussions held at the symposium reflect several primary themes including: (1) examination of the aims, forms, and content of intensive courses for modern language teachers; (2) discussion of reasons for the shortage of modern language teachers; (3) identification of problems which arise with regard to use of audio-visual…