Describes a study to determine if the initial advantage of listening to first language dialogs while reading second language scripts (i.e., reversed subtitling) would hold up over time and if a combination of coordinated dialogs and scripts both in the second language would gain effectiveness through usage. (SED)

Culturally specific compounds in Chinese could be more effectively studied from a cognitive approach, using the underlying idealized cognitive models defined by Lakoff. It is argued that the formation of Chinese compounds are systematically guided by idealized cognitive models and compounds are semantically compositional. (seven references) (LB)

Results of an empirical study of the learners' language of a group of Chinese language students show that topic-controlled deletion is a prominent feature in Chinese that is distinctly different from English and that it may result in English speakers' difficulty in forming Chinese topic chains. (nine references) (LB)

The process of pragmaticization is explored in a study of 46 adult English speakers learning Chinese as their second language. Results suggest that "ba" constructions that manifest certain grammatical features and are structurally dependent will be acquired earlier than those pragmatically controlled and contextually dependent. (12 references) (LB)

A convenient and user-friendly method for computer-based second-language instruction (especially exotic-alphabet languages) presents a "pool" of text chunks from which the student uses a mouse to select and drag the chunks to form answers. Several types of feedback, including edit markup, may be selected; revision consists of rearranging, adding,…

The first part of this bibliography cites selected books concerning the use of drama in teaching English as a foreign language. The second part cites plays designed for various learning levels, with price and addresses included. All entries are British publications. (CLK)

In 2004, in response to the need to revise oral practice and assessment in the second semester of Beginners French at Monash University, an eight-week group-based theatre project was developed and trialled. A specially adapted version of Tardieu's absurdist play "Le Guichet" was used to give students the opportunity to focus on oral…

Investigated effects of first language (L1) orthographic features on second language (L2) reading. Three groups of fluent (L2) readers with different L1 backgrounds were given English passages printed in either alternated case or a normal manner and asked to read them for comprehension. Results suggest that because of L1 effects on basic…

Examines whether mnemonic strategies can be successfully applied to the learning of a non-Roman foreign-language alphabet. Students were given materials presenting Russian letters and their English sounds on each page. Beneath each letter was a mnemonic. Findings indicate that these strategies enhance the learning speed of non-Roman…

This paper describes a prototype system that allows readers to view an electronic text in multiple simultaneous views, providing insight at several different levels of granularity, including a reading view. This prospect display is combined with a number of tools for manipulating the text, for example by highlighting sections of interest for a…

Reports a study of the learning strategies and processes of four adult learners of Chinese, using data collected over a two-year period. Students showed a number of different approaches to learning, not all of which could be classified "good language learner" strategies. Findings suggest areas for exploration in immersion education, especially…

This book offers teachers the tools they need to incorporate drama into their language classes. It provides instructions on how to do the following: conduct a drama class; use acting and role-play exercises; select appropriate scripts for language learners; guide students to write their own scripts; and dramatize scripts for performance. Chapter…

This paper assesses reading theory and its applications for methodology in second language reading. The investigation focuses on how the methodology recommended for teaching the commonly taught languages informs the teaching of a language such as Hindi. To accomplish this assessment, a teacher of Hindi at the U.S. State Department's Foreign…

This study compared six adults' learning of English names for Chinese visual characters, through prototype instruction (in which participants were taught the meaning of the distinctive feature of multicomponent characters) and rote instruction (in which participants traced the character and wrote its translation). Participants learned more rapidly…

The tape scripts in this Hebrew instruction manual are intended to accompany audio tapes prepared for use at level 2 in New York City secondary schools, to present and drill grammatical structures. The scripts provide the teacher with a variety of grammar drills; enable the teacher to use the drills with or without tapes; permit review of specific…