Recent studies have shown that the behavioristic theory of learning is not adequate as a model for language acquisition. Far from being the linear accumulation of a series of automatic reflexes, language acquisition is a cognitive process in which individuals construct and test hypotheses and where there is considerable variation from learner to…

The use of the term "strategy" in second language communication is discussed, and a typology of communication strategies is presented. Communication strategies are those systematic devices a second language learner uses in attempting to express precise meaning in the target language. Definitions of learning strategies and communication strategies…

THE OVERLY STRINGENT APPLICATION OF THEORIES OF RULE-GOVERNED GRAMMAR TO LANGUAGE TEACHING CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR THE LEARNER. ELABORATION OF A RULE OF GRAMMAR IN ADVANCE OF DRILL HOLDS THREE DANGERS--(1) THE FALSE SECURITY WHICH RESULTS WHEN THE STUDENT FEELS THAT HE HAS LEARNED SOME ELEMENT OF VERBAL COMMUNICATION BECAUSE HE CAN STATE THE RULE,…

In this paper two questions are raised: (1) Is there any meaning to current research? (2) Is meaning important to the language acquisition process? It is necessary to explore the nature of research in general to evaluate what kind of research we are doing. This leads us to consider next the content of research on human learning and on the…

First language and second language learners have to learn through making mistakes. Foreign language learners do not have to learn, to anything like the same extent, in this way. Foreign language teachers should study students' mistakes in order better to understand how they are learning and mislearning. Teachers should try to avoid language…

Linguistic and psychological factors which bear on the concept of "intuitive thinking" are analyzed with respect to second language learning. Analytical thinking is considered as being logical, cognitive, and objective while intuitive thinking is considered to be creative, constructive, and non-analytical. Following a brief discussion of Piaget's…

This article discusses the question of the optimal age for second language learning by providing some background and by comparing relevant British and Canadian language teaching programs. (CLK)

Analyzes the difference between "ultimate-target language" (authentic English in all its varieties), "learner's language" (with its limitations), and "learning-goal language," this latter referring to differentiated instruction with graded "input" steps. Teaching suggestions are given. (IFS/WGA)

Presents a method which draws upon students' imagination, creativity, and associative abilities and engages them in the language learning process. (Author/AM)

Reports on an experiment designed to compare the linguistic ability of English-speaking students of French to that of native French-speaking students, through sentence repetition, in order to draw some conclusions regarding approximative grammars. (AM)

Finds developmental differences in the abilities of eight-year-old, eleven-year-old, and adult second language learners to repeat certain grammatical sentence structures. (RL)

A study which presents evidence against the relevance of age and innate linguistic talent as significant variables in language learning. Arguments are given favoring the significance of psychological and sociological factors. A special talent for language learning probably exists; new research is needed to explore what it comprises. (AMH)

A discussion of the predominant foreign language methodology, the Practical-Conscious Method, used in the Soviet Union. The principles underlying the method are the cognitive mastery is primary to learning and that automatic habits are developed on that base. Both learner's intellect and teacher are essential in the process. (AMH)

An investigation of the differences between first and second language acquisition and the relationship between age and second language learning. The stages in native language acquisition and the advantages of an early start in second language learning are discussed. (AMH)

Argues that the construction of new utterances formulated by speakers of English as a foreign language is the result of the cognitive process linking up old form (memory) with new form (intent). A model sentence is learned through a process of morphological and syntactical interference and eventually becomes, due to creative re-ordering, a new…