The author suggests some methods to encourage the language student to improvise his oral answers to class questions. One way is to have the student make up fanciful answers, the other is to use key words in sentences relating to a text. (CK)

IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER EXTENSIVE PRIOR LISTENING PRACTICE IN A LANGUAGE COURSE WOULD HAVE ANY BENEFITS IN DEVELOPING SPEAKING AND AURAL COMPREHENSION SKILLS, 19 U.S. ARMY OFFICERS SCHEDULED TO GO TO VIETNAM WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS THAT PARTICIPATED IN A SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMED COURSE IN ELEMENTARY VIETNAMESE LASTING 83 HOURS. THE…

The article deals with various interference factors affecting aural perception and articulation, such as: similarity of the foreign sound to the native sound, different combinations, differences of articulation, significance of correct perception of sounds, etc. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Listening comprehension exercises in second language instruction are expected to: (1) increase students' efficiency at message extraction, and (2) lead to assimilation of new vocabulary and expressions. Data from a small experiment using such exercises illustrate the distinctions drawn and the limitations. (CHK)

The article underlines the necessity for a systematic approach to the development of learning comprehension skills. Through pilot testing, two distinctly different approaches (logical vs. psychological) are compared. Given the results in favor of the psychological approach, questions concerning its implementation and what should follow are raised.…

The visual exposure method for teaching tonal modulation can be used in the classroom where aural exposure time cannot be increased. The use of musical notation is a workable technique to begin with, using flashcards. Each flashcard has a character and the musical note that is linked with it. (CFM)

Describes the Envelope Vowel Approximation System (EVAS), a foreign language pronunciation learning system which allows students to see as well as hear a pedagogical model of a sound, and to compare their own utterances of that sound to the model as they pronounce the same sound. (Author/CMV)

This volume is a preliminary edition of an elementary Somali reader. The materials were designed to serve three purposes: (1) to provide experience with rather simple expository Somali prose, (2) to provide an elementary introduction to Somali culture, and (3) to accompany the students' study of spoken Somali. It is noted that there is no official…

Describes some sample discrimination exercises, involving discrimination between forms, between two uses of a form, between different information patterns, and between forms having different social relevance. (IFS/WGA)

A technique is outlined which simultaneously checks students' aural and oral control of sounds and prosodies. Intended for intermediate and advanced students, the test consists of a number of minimal pairs which are read by different people while the others listen and note which of the alternatives they hear. (SW)

Discusses research supporting the contention that listening fluency should be taught first and oral response delayed because languaqe acquisition takes place without any overt performance. Includes extensive bibliographic references. (PMJ)

Describes dialogues and songs used to teach listening comprehension. (SW)

Listening to native speakers' taped situational interchanges on a frequent basis from the onset of instruction offers numerous advantages to the language learner. Gives suggestions to the instructor on how to make, obtain, and use such tapes. (PMJ)