This article discusses the notion of acquiring a basic threshold of communicative competence in a second language as it applies to the instruction of French as a second language. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Reviews previous research and presents and analyzes data regarding some possible connections between small group oral interaction and language learning. Data show that communicative interaction is far more sensitive and significant to learners' needs and abilities than are other forms of language work. (CB)

Research in the area of language skill attrition encompasses such areas as first-language loss, second-language loss, dying languages, and effects of age or disease on language loss. Research has so far focused on maintenance of language skills and interventions to stop language skill attrition. (CB)

Illustrates some of the problems of second language (French) acquisition by adult Spanish-speaking immigrants in a natural setting through analysis of the European Project data (Perdue, 1982) in three areas: acquisition and use of the over-generalized marker "c'est"; acquisition of reference to time; and acquisition of reference to…

Describes a study which attempts to place the problem of second language learning and use by bilingual children into a framework of double socialization through the analysis of mother-child and peer group interaction. Ukrainian and Greek second generation mothers and their children aged 5-6 years were observed in four sessions. (SED)

Presents a multilevel course model which applies English for Specific Purposes (ESP) principles to the design of teacher-training courses for "general" English as a Second Language teachers. The syllabus moves from content, through format and methodology, to the language required to understand content, while maintaining the subject-language link…

This article describes a set of exercises to be used in an English language course for adults. The exercises are designed to take into account (1) the human being and his or her language needs, (2) the structuring process of human speech, and (3) the foreign language itself. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

This paper provides a definition of communicaton applicable to second language teaching, and discusses the acquisition of basic skills, and the mental processes necessary for communication. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

A notional syllabus places the greatest emphasis on the use of the language, unlike most foreign language syllabuses, which emphasize its structural form. Each entry defines a type of purposeful communication. When the student has mastered the syllabus, he has thus acquired a communicative competence. (CFM)

This paper examines the effect which certain environmental variables have upon learning to speak English as a second language. (Author)

A major change in British language teaching is in emphasizing the use of language; knowledge of rules and vocabulary is insufficient if a student cannot communicate. This paper discusses five ways in which this idea is being introduced: in language functions, discourse, testing, reading and teaching in the foreign language. (CHK)

A study investigated how Korean learners of English as a second language (ESL) differ from native speakers of English in the use of supportive moves and in the expression of politeness (use of downgraders) in requests, a speech act considered to be face-threatening. Three groups of subjects participated: 30 Korean students enrolled in an intensive…

Article presents positive reasons for studying a foreign language and describes one possible outline for developing a program. (Author/RK)

Describes a study designed to examine native speakers' reactions to errors contained in compositions written by advanced Spanish students, as a measure of error seriousness and a guide for selective correction. Suggests that errors interfering with comprehension should be eliminated first, followed by those that elicit negative reactions from…