Examines the central characteristics of interlanguages that distinguish them from all other natural language systems. It is proposed that, since permeability presupposes an interlanguage norm which is relatively stable, we are forced to gather enough data to establish the overall level of linguistic competence of the learner. (Author/POP)

Presents the results of an exploratory study that sought to identify the language learning strategies of learners of Japanese at the tertiary level. The study also sought to identify the most- and least-favored strategies of a variety of ethnic groups and to investigate the relationship between ethnicity and language learning strategy preferences.…

This bibliography cites and summarizes theoretically grounded reports of research and discussions of central issues in second- and foreign-language writing and writing instruction that have become available during the period of April 1, 1995 through July 31, 1995. Categories include writers, processes, texts, audience/assessment, contexts,…

Examines multimodal processing and its implications for listening skills development in a foreign or second language, and discusses how multimodal processing, as it relates to listening skills development, can be supported by multimedia technology. Highlights include visuals, text, video, schema, and chunking. (71 references) (Author/LRW)

Argues that second language students learning to write academic essays can be assisted by concordancing authentic texts in specialist corpora of relevant genres and topics. A case is made for the development of different corpora with different genres for learners to access in an interactive computer-assisted writing environment. (20 references)…

Discusses in a panel forum how to prepare applied linguists for the future. Focuses on the background and skills needed, work to be undertaken, and the best type of doctoral program. Statements from six college faculty panelists are presented, and responses to these statements are sought for inclusion in future issues of this journal. (10…

Suggests that by using the "toy box" approach, teachers with a year of language study at the college level can transmit the important facets of a culture and have fun doing it. Describes development of the toy box approach, expansion of the method, how long to use the toy box, and rules for using the toy box. (RS)

Presents some examples of bilingual and Spanish materials that can be prepared in the classroom based on current practical theories on the teaching of literacy. Describes ways to incorporate the alphabet into bilingual activities. Considers the use of an illustrated songbook. (SG)

Examined the effect of multiple choice glosses and periodic second language text reconstruction on lexical acquisition. Second language readers of German engaged in a think-aloud procedure while reading a short test and retelling its content in German. Target words were embedded. Half of the participants' passages contained multiple-choice glosses…

Studied phonological processing in relation to academic achievement in the native and a second language in 66 12-to-13-year-old Finnish students at the end of their sixth school year. Findings are in agreement with findings from other studies, demonstrating a fairly strong relationship between language competencies and phonological processing.…

Formal and informal socialization influences the learning of immigrants and second-language students. Adult educators should take into account the following patterns: cultural models that affect attitudes and behavior, discontinuities between native and current culture, and differences between voluntary and involuntary immigrants. (Contains 28…

Aims to identify listening comprehension strategies used by adult Japanese native speakers and monolingual Australian learners of the Japanese language. Investigates how two different listening contexts (audiovisual and audio-only) may influence listeners' choice of strategies and how the strategies chosen relate to learners' proficiency.…

Analysis of second-language literacy is discussed in light of first-language perspectives on literacy, reading, and writing, and expanding these perspectives into second-language contexts. The current perspectives on literacy are also identified and reviewed. (GLR)

Drawing on recent research in first language study and curriculum development, a framework is presented for considering the significance of print in providing informal contact with the target second language. A theoretical rationale for exploring culture and language within a whole-language, literature-based context is provided. (25 references)…

Lack of knowledge of learning psychology is the underlying reason for failure in second language learning. The highest cognitive step is not given the required attention. The unanswered question is whether an institutional setting allows for this, or whether an immersion program should be a mandatory complement to any program. (MSE)