A review of the acquisition of second-language phonology focuses on the following areas: (1) the various factors that have been found to influence the acquisition process, and (2) a discussion of topics in the phonological description of the learner language. (46 references) (GLR)

This paper explores the relationship of underlying phonological representations in nonnative speakers to their surface representations. (37 references) (JL)

Discusses an interdisciplinary approach to foreign language learning that is integrated with an academic/professional curriculum as opposed to a traditional beginner's course. The use of an electronic concordance is described; the language of a pedagogic corpus is examined; and an example is given of an Italian course for Renaissance theater…

Reports on the way in which impersonal constructions encoded in the transitivity structure are used in experimental research articles, allowing writers to strategically distance themselves from the information they present. Focuses on clusters of features of the transitivy structure that characterize the genre, their relation to the specific goals…

Argues that researchers should approach language learning memoirs as a genre and not simply as ethnographic data, subject to content analysis. Using gender as a case in point, analyzes 16 full-length language memoirs and seven essays within a theoretical framework, which combines sociohistoric, sociocultural, and rhetorical analyses of the…

Gives a broad overview of developments in using literary texts in language teaching. Describes both language-based and stylistic approaches to the use of literary texts and draws particular attention to the way in which non-literary genres draw on literary devices for their effects. (Author/VWL)

Urges the broadening of language study by looking beyond an exclusively literary training. (Author/LG)

A discussion of the use of the imperfect tense in French, aimed primarily at speakers of English and German. (Text is in French.) (AM)

The distribution and form of negatives in Japanese as compared to English in the simple declarative sentence, in the interrogative sentence, in different speech styles, in indefinite negatives, and in complex sentences. (SC)

Texts using actual current language are highly motivating, but they demand considerable knowledge of the language. "Authentic" language--regional, technical, or sociologically conditioned--need not be scorned. Even the written style merits attention. (IFS/WGA)

Discusses an experiment in progress to prove that irony in written texts is discernible to the non-native speaker through logical or linguistic cues. (Text is in French.) (AM)

The premise that diglossamania, which is a pressure for second language learners to produce in English the equivalent style of the mother tongue, and which in turn leads to an artificial style, is discussed. (HP)

Discusses the importance of two Firthian themes for language teaching. The first theme, "Restricted Languages," concerns the "microlanguages" of every language (e.g., literary language, scientific, etc.). The second theme, "Collocation," shows that equivalent words in two languages rarely have the same position in…

Considers pragmatic competence and misinterpretations in foreign-language use. Findings indicate that too many language teachers are still clinging to prescriptive views of language use. Practitioners should reevaluate the ways students' use of the language adds to its wealth and scope. (CB)