Argues that Firth and Wagner are justified in arguing that a broader, context-sensitive, participant-sensitive, generally sociolinguistic orientation might prove beneficial for second language acquisition research. Demonstrates a skepticism as to whether greater insights into second language learning will necessarily influence the process. (13…

Reviews a computer software program, "Power Japanese" ("PJ"), for learning Japanese as a second language. "PJ" incorporates colorful graphics, animation, sound drills, and games. (Six references) (Author/CK)

Examines the existing literature on implicit and explicit approaches to first language instruction at the word level, text level, and sentence level. Looks at the role of explicit instruction in reading English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESL/EFL), including its role at the word level in EFL reading in Taiwan. (Author/VWL)

Examines some of the techniques used in a variety of online sites for learning several languages. The lessons featured were chosen for their quality, the variety of technical features, range of pedagogical techniques, and selection of languages taught. (Author/VWL)

Interest in the remote delivery of language instruction has increased significantly in recent years. This article highlights new web options, hybrid applications, and task-based language learning. A substantial resource list is provided. (Author/VWL)

Discusses two pedagogically effective approaches to teaching first language narrative texts that have been gaining popularity in English-as-a-Second/Foreign-Language literature: the story grammar approach and the reader response approach. (Author/VWL)

Explored the attitudes of 251 second language teachers toward Kanji and their choices of instructional strategies for teaching Kanji. Principal component analysis resulted in the identification of six statistically reliable domains representing underlying attitudes toward teaching kanji. Descriptive statistics revealed that the mot positive…

A pedagogical idea for addressing National Standard 4.1 (Students demonstrate understanding of the nature of language through comparisons of language studied and their own) suggests the deliberate use of the online translator to illustrate to students the syntactical errors that occur when translating idioms from one language to another. (VWL)

Draws on numerous different content areas in the development of a 4-to-6 week long unit with the culminating activity of a simulated Mexican cafe. Students assume the roles of restaurant personnel and greet customers, take and fill orders, cook a variety of Mexican entrees, tally the check, and make change, all in the target language while…

Defines the relationship that is intended between classroom-based and laboratory based activities, private study and language class, individual and collective effort, and computer-centered and teacher-led learning. Suggests that the aid the computer can provide can be effectively brought into the classroom as an integral part of the teacher's own…

Investigates whether readers theatre (RT) motivates English-as--a-Foreign-language (EFL) learners to appreciate expository text and enhances their oral skills. Learners read an expository comprehension passage and then wrote a script based on the topic. Findings suggest RT generated greater appreciation of expository text among EFL learners,…

Describes a study in which an English-as-a-Second-Language reading instructor worked with a group of intermediate students that focused on schema theory-based pre-reading activities. Highlights the students' impressions on the strategies covered during the term. (Author/VWL)

Questions the global validity of the autonomous method of language learning, which has origins in the European and North American traditions of individualism. Raises the question of appropriateness of the cultural content of educational materials that are alleged to be suitable for global dissemination, with special reference to the Yoruba world…

Presents findings of a study of teachers' beliefs about teaching and learning French as a second or foreign language using the Internet. An international, online discussion list and an open-ended questionnaire provided an opportunity for teachers to talk about their experiences with the new tools of the Internet. Challenges related to the teaching…

Examines recent research on teaching culture in the foreign language classroom. Proposes a model for culture teaching that responds to a clearer definition of cultural proficiency. Focuses on classroom testing and proficiency assessment. (Author/VWL)