This article examines the acquisition of pragmatic competence in L2, applying this stimulating area of research to premodern texts in a way that has yet to be done (to the author's knowledge). Specifically, this article discusses the teaching of "challenging" incongruent speech behaviours (such as sarcasm, banter, and irony) in a group…

Discusses the notions and concepts presented in "Le Petit Nicholas." Examines (1) how Goscinny presents his assimilation and understanding of French life to French children and adults and (2) how the books can be used as an introduction to French civilization at the intermediate level. (EKN)

A French television program using puppets for political satire is discussed and its instructional applications are examined. (MSE)

One college faculty member's collection of unprepared students' amusing answers to test questions on French civilization includes errors of information, spelling, and grammar, and student humor. (MSE)

Discusses the use of "Le Petit Nicholas" as an intermediate French reading text. Provides ideas for exercises and teaching techniques that can be used with the book. (EKN)

Discusses the use of word games, particularly puns, tongue twisters, and spoonerisms, in the French classroom. (AM)

In 2004, in response to the need to revise oral practice and assessment in the second semester of Beginners French at Monash University, an eight-week group-based theatre project was developed and trialled. A specially adapted version of Tardieu's absurdist play "Le Guichet" was used to give students the opportunity to focus on oral…

Role playing differs from the more static teaching technique of simulation in its incorporation of originality and theatricality. From preparation to presentation, it is important to retain the element of play, avoid techniques of or tendencies toward psychodrama, and hold the pedagogical or evaluative purposes in mind. (MSE)

Four French language classroom activities are suggested, including an exercise sensitizing students to the structure of poetry, a group of games centering on the Eiffel Tower, a series of activities exploring attitudes toward the Eiffel Tower, and a vocabulary and cultural awareness development exercise using the terminology of painting. (MSE)

Four activities for language learning are presented, including: class completion of incomplete dialogues excerpted from major literary works; games for learning vocabulary and civilization using words beginning with the same letter; a lesson using cartoons to elicit description and dialogues; and a unit on appropriate and inappropriate…

Provides several suggestions for introducing a note of humor into the French classroom while at the same time providing writing practice. Suggestions are based on primary source materials, such as newspaper ads, advice columns, graffiti, popular literature, crossword puzzles, etc. (AM)

Three essays discuss: (1) the use of word games in the language classroom, (2) the use of humor in correcting students' errors, and (3) using comic strips in the French language classroom. (AM)

A rationale is presented for using humor as a French language teaching tool, and several class activities designed for different language skill levels and using humor as a central element are described. Some suggestions are offered for selecting appropriate instructional materials. (MSE)

An analysis of the kinds and uses of laughter in five adult introductory foreign language classes is presented. The importance of this form of nonverbal communication in the teaching situation is examined in the context of classroom ritual's effects on learners' nonverbal behavior. (MSE)

Discusses the reasons for growing disenchantment with the language laboratory and introduces a novel approach to advanced listening comprehension exercises based on recordings of professional entertainers. Analyzes the sketches as examples of authentic discourse, as illustrations of different speech registers and regional variants, and as vehicles…