This article questioned the linguistic assumptions that underlie most language teaching and suggested that a clearer recognition of the communicative function of language might result in a more realistic and effective learning experience. (Author/RK)

Chinese characters are used in both Chinese and Japanese writing systems. When literate speakers of either language experience problems in finding or understanding words, they often resort to using Chinese characters or "kanji" (i.e., Chinese characters used in Japanese writing) in their talk, a practice known as "brush talk" ("bitan" in Chinese,…

Stresses the importance of teaching not only the linguisti aspects of a foreign language but also the gestures used by native speakers of the language. Several examples (some accompanied by sketches or photographs) are provided of gestures used by native speakers of Italian. (CFM)

At Dalarna University, Sweden, modes of communication are offered at many points of Kenning's continuum with a web-based learning platform, including asynchronous document exchange and collaborative writing tools, e-mail, recorded lectures in various formats, live streamed lectures with the possibility of text questions to the lecturer in real…

Examines the perceptions of 100 adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners from a variety of first language backgrounds with regard to their pronunciation difficulties and the strategies they employ when faced with communication breakdown. Findings are discussed with reference to pronunciation instruction and commercially available…

Studies of native speakers' linguistic adjustment for communication with nonnative speakers indicate that, although the modifications sometimes result in ungrammatical speech, more often they provide well-formed and appropriate input for the listener. Several reasons for these adjustments are identified. It appears nonnative speakers cannot…

Investigates ways speakers manage problems and overcome difficulties in second language (L2) communication. Distinguishes four main sources of L2 communication problems; resource deficits; processing time pressure; perceived deficiencies in one's own language output; and perceived deficiencies in interlocutors performance. Adopts a…

Investigates how nonnative speakers of English approach questions and answers posed to them to provide an explanation of how they resolve communication problems they face at an international conference. Results suggest that there are not many differences observed from Japanese and Korean querists and respondents in terms of their use of discourse…

This paper investigates the value of language classroom negotiation of meaning from both cognitive and sociocultural perspectives. According to Long (1985, 1996) comprehensible input gained through interactional adjustments such as negotiating meaning and modifying output is central to second language acquisition, and much research has been…

This paper suggests that language training should be founded on an initial student familiarization with the dimensions of intercultural communication. Using as exemplars problems encountered by Japanese familiar with English but unfamiliar with communication theory, the paper argues that while limited linguistic competency may make it difficult…

The problems of teacher education in developing nations are discussed. Blending new knowledge with cultural heritage so that the personal cultural synthesis demanded of new literates is effected without disrupting social structures is complicated by the language problem. The impact of the written word on a society dependent on oral communication…

Proposes several principles important to courses in language communication. They include: 1) understanding language--grammar, lexicon and pronunciation; 2) communicative competence; 3) social structure; 4) communication problems. Language and social customs of a country are interrelated. (CHK)

Fries' definition of knowing a language rejects the layman's notion that the criterion is knowing a certain number of words. It involves, rather, knowing a set of items--sound segments, sentence patterns, lexical items--which must be made a matter of automatic habit. Various approaches to testing someone's use of a language have failed to take…

Misunderstandings and impoliteness can occur among people from different countries because of differences in cultures and languages. Observations about British, American, and other European cultures concern set phrases, word connotations, intonation, forms of address and reference, grammar, and nonverbal behavior. (SW)