This study examined the nature of language transfer and its role in second language acquisition. Nine Japanese female young adults residing in Honolulu, divided into through groups based on English language proficiency, took part in two role playing situations with an American native speaker of English. The subjects were to attempt to get a…

A first grader of Vietnamese descent (recently arrived in Hawaii from China) participated in the class activities in a 6-week summer course that focused on language arts and mathematics but only found his "voice" and the acceptance of his peers through art activities. The course included many language arts activities such as silent…

Research has demonstrated that the acquisition of English literacy skills is extremely difficult for many deaf students, that is, students with severe to profound hearing impairments. As a result, there has been a call for the development of bilingual and English-as-a-second-language programs for this population. This research review addresses…

A study investigated the usefulness of non-native speakers' subjective, relative word frequency estimates as a measure of second language proficiency. In the experiment, two subjective frequency estimate (SFE) tasks, one on French and one on English, were presented to French learners of English (n=126) and American learners of French (n=87).…

The standardization of second language proficiency levels for university students in Germany is discussed. Problems with the current system, in which each university has developed its own program of study and proficiency certification, are examined and a framework for development of a unified language certificate for all universities is outlined.…

The usefulness of various forms of folk literature as grammatical, literary, historical, and cultural sources in foreign language teaching is discussed and guidelines are suggested for classroom implementation. Although the focus is on folk or fairy tales, folk literature is defined to encompass myths, local legends, saints' legends, children's…

Second language acquisition (SLA) research is examined in terms of what might be used in the planning, design, and implementation of language courses. A conception of language and the communicative use of language that is appropriate for formal language teaching and learning is discussed, and different conditions are described under which second…

Curriculum objectives are detailed for the Milwaukee German Language Arts Program in the German Immersion Program. The report is based on the English Language Arts Program in the Milwaukee Public Schools. The philosophy of the program is to use the second language as both the tool and object of instruction. The curriculum indicates what is…

Curriculum objectives are detailed for the Milwaukee French Language Arts Program in the French Immersion Program. The report is based on the English Language Arts Program in the Milwaukee Public Schools. The philosophy of the program is to use the second language as both the tool and object of instruction. The curriculum indicates what is…

As part of the National Evaluation Program of the Swedish school system, proficiency in the English language is evaluated for students in grade 5 (at age 12 years). Variation between classes and variation within classes were studied in a multilevel factor analysis (MFA) using a sample of 3,162 students in 162 classes for whom student questionnaire…

This report on model learner outcomes for world languages education is divided into five sections. The first describes the values, philosophy, mission, and goals of the Minnesota State Board of Education. The second section provides an introduction to and information on the goals of world languages education. Section three presents a range of…

This digest presents ideas for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in foreign countries where textbooks or other traditional instructional materials are limited or unavailable. The activities discussed emphasize student participation, require creativity, and encourage students to enjoy learning English. Four particular activities used by…

The effectiveness of three teaching techniques used by native speakers with students of English as a second language was studied. The three techniques were presenting a word in isolation, in combination with a picture, and in a sentence. The study included a 24-hour interval between teaching and testing to determine which method was more effective…

This article consists of a brief historical look at training programs for graduate assistants at American universities, followed by a detailed examination of such a program currently in existence at the University of Pennsylvania. The focus of that program is relevant communication between students, and not merely grammatical form. (CLK)

Since students enter a community college with varying backgrounds and educational preparation, one college uses self-paced individualized instruction in foreign languages. Activities include large and small group meetings, conferences with peer tutors and such materials as cassette tapes, slides and videotapes. Students proceed through modules at…