The usefulness of classifications within and comparisons among languages as a means of discovering the commonalities of human language is discussed. Metalinguistics offers not only the potential for analyzing the specifics of each language, but also the tools for teaching across languages. (MSE)

Discusses the correspondence between French phonology and spelling with regard to the role of accents. Refers the reader to the first part of the essay (n162, Jul 1981), then analyzes vowel harmony, free variation, the diacritic function of the grave accent, and the etymologic function of the circumflex accent. (MES)

Presents a selective bibliography of dictionaries, books, and articles. References are grouped under three sections: I. Lexicology, II. Dictionaries and III. Didactics. Each item is followed by a concise critical note. The compilation is by the "Centre d'Etudes du Lexique" (CELEX, Paris-Villetaneuse). (MES)

Two principles necessary for integrating the native language and second language approaches to language instruction are discussed: (1) that such an integration must be viewed as a meeting, not of subject areas but of professional competencies and (2) that languages must be considered not as separate systems but as a continuum. (MSE)

One French university's experience with the developing need for specialized second-language vocabulary instruction in two programs, specialized translation and business administration, revealed not only second-language instructional needs but also the desirability of offering instruction in specialized native language terminology. (MSE)

It is suggested that although patterns learned as a part of native language acquisition may interfere with learning a second language, the use of metalanguages may promote an understanding of the native language that in turn contributes to learning others. Specific examples of classroom exercises are included. (MSE)

Based on a literature review and analysis of teaching methods and objectives, it is proposed that the emphasis on communicative competence ascendant in French foreign language instruction is closely related to, and borrows from, expressive techniques taught in French native language instruction in the 1960s. (MSE)

It is proposed that development of research skills, encompassing research for innovation, improvement, or theoretical purposes, be an essential and early part of the teacher education program for elementary school French native language teachers. This is seen as particularly important in recognizing and teaching the plurality of languages spoken…

Semiotics can be a useful tool for analysis in language learning situations. This is particularly true for delineating student comprehension and the familiarity/strangeness aspects of discourse or texts. Use of semiotics can help differentiate the problems facing learners of French as a native language from those facing learners of French as a…

Analyzes the linguistic devices and styles employed in advertisement writing. Illustrates the use of rhetorical figures and gives examples of word creation, of puns based on polysemy or paronyms, of alliteration, and of rhyme. Concludes with the suggestion that advertisement texts could profitably be put to use in the classroom. (MES)

Discusses the discrepancies between French phonology and spelling, particularly where the letter "e" and the roles of the accents are concerned. Analyzes the distribution of the three vowel sounds represented by "e" and proposes some rules for the use of the acute and the grave accent with this letter. (MES)

The idea that an individual's basic perceptions and experiences can create a resistance to learning is applied to native and second language instruction. It is suggested that general pedagogy and language pedagogy be decompartmentalized and, similarly, that native and second language instruction be decompartmentalized to expose their commonality…

For many years rhetoric and grammar were linked in foreign language education, and then they drifted apart. More recently, pragmatics, the study of meaning related to language use in a natural context, has returned and appears in some form in the communicative approach, situational language instruction, and the notional functional approach. (MSE)

Although language needs, strategies, and instructional situations vary considerably, some degree of integration of methods for native and second language instruction based on empirical research is recommended. The value of second language instructional methods for native language instruction, instruction for communicative competence, and the place…

Two former teachers of French as a foreign language reflect on their experiences in that role and more recently as French native language instructors at the same level, focusing on differences in audience, objectives, texts, and methods of instruction and student evaluation. (MSE)