Area/cultural studies have not enjoyed their rightful place in foreign language teaching because of their lack of orientation. They should not only be seen as revealing "sets" of data; they should be analyzed for patterns in terms of the target area rather than the native culture. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

This article presents and discusses some exercises designed to help the second language learner develop both receptive and productive sociolinguistic competence. (Author)

The question of whether apparent similarity of two languages really facilitates the learning process is raised. Linguistic and pedagogical problems involved in the instruction of languages which resemble each other are discussed. (Text is in French.) (TL)

The author offers his observations on how the language learner achieves a full command of a second language in its sociocultural context. (PP)

An inventory for storing data on a sociocultural system was designed (a) to favor the emergence of a structural-functional model, and (b) to generate the descriptive knowledge most useful for a practical understanding of the life style. Thirty sections are grouped into four subsystems, adapted from those of the sociologist Talcott Parsons: the…

This article suggests using both Spanish and English television commercials to stimulate classroom dialogue and language practice. Drills can be contextualized if based on these commercials and the films can stimulate socio-cultural conversations in the target language. (CHK)

Language learning motivation is discussed, and some impressions are given of conditions affecting willingness to learn English well enough for purposes it is required to serve. (Author/RM)

Asserts that, if the aim of foreign language teaching is to be communicative competence, then some of the sociocultural determinants of usage of some forms should not be overlooked. The Spanish pronominal address forms, "tu" and "Ud.," are discussed as an example. (EJS)

This article explains why students should be aware of cultural difference between the source and the target language if they are to make effective use of the latter. (Author/DB)

The attitude and motivation of the second language student and their importance for the teaching of English as a second language are discussed. (RM)

Reviews some of the current literature on the sociolinguistic aspects of ESL. (RM)

This article discusses the use of the formal and informal forms of address in French from a sociolinguistic standpoint, and considers the implications of the issue for second language instruction. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

This article provides an analysis of textbooks available for teaching French civilization and ranging in orientation from subjective, historical, geographical, cultural and sociological approaches to anthropological, semiotic, comparative and linguistic ones. The content and the format of the texts is dealt with, as well as various teaching…

A compilation of statistics with extensive comment and interpretation on marriage in France. The engagement, the wedding in all its aspects, as well as opinions on numerous topics related to marriage are considered. Several suggestions on the use of the material in the classroom are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A discussion of social drama understood as observable reality. Social reality with its value systems or lack thereof, as defined by a particular environment and context, and the implications of social drama for the teaching of civilization are discussed. (Text is in French.) (AMH)