Discusses the neglect of foreign languages by LIS (library and information science) departments in English-speaking countries and the problems this will cause in an increasingly multicultural environment. Topics include monolingualism in United Kingdom LIS departments; and suggestions for how to integrate new modules into LIS courses to overcome…

Considers the use of the World Wide Web in second language acquisition (SLA) within a language learning framework providing a better structure within which the use of networked-based technology can be discussed. It is noted that the model of new concepts of computer assisted language learning proposed in the context of the Internet results from…

Discusses class activities that create artificial environments to facilitate students' learning about the cultural life of the country whose language they are studying, in this case, Spanish. Such activities include taking pictures of fictional wedding parties, using current Mexican newspapers to shop for the bride and groom, and attendance at the…

Investigates the look-up behavior of bilingualized dictionaries of Hong Kong (China) students focusing on dictionary information frequency usage and the perceptions of the usefulness of such information. Indicates that students in general make limited use of the bilingualized dictionary, while more proficient students use the dictionary more…

Presents a study designed to measure to what extent secondary school students' ability to guess the meanings of words in isolation is related to guessing words in context. Finds similarities between strategies used in isolated and contextual situations, but the students also made effective use of context. (MG)

A word frequency study of two graded readers and an unsimplified text indicated that graded readers facilitated better foreign-language reading and vocabulary learning than did unsimplified texts. It was found that students needed to read several same-level texts to master vocabulary, and that vocabulary mastery was not necessary for successful…

Describes two experiments carried out with a class of foreign language learners in the Department of French studies at the University of Sydney. The first experiment involved keeping a learner's diary, and the second experiment focused on learner's self-assessment of their writing performances. (CB)

Discussion of the use of computer-assisted instruction in distance education focuses on computer-assisted language learning (CALL). Topics discussed include computer-managed instruction (CMI); computer-aided learning (CAL); computer conferencing; the current status of CALL hardware; computer-assisted tests; summative evaluation; and theories of…

A study developed a scale of tolerance of ambiguity related to second language learning. Analysis of second- and third-year college Spanish students' responses to the scale indicated that their tolerance of ambiguity, strength of motivation, attitude, and concern for grade influenced their use of various second language learning strategies. (39…

Describes how sources such as television, visits, and personal accounts influence British students' impressions and stereotypes of France and French culture. Teachers can help students to interpret these impressions beyond perception from a typical British norm. (CB)

Related the four scales of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a measure of personality, to learning preferences. The personality types of 491 first- and second-year language students were compared with a sample of 18,592 general college students. Statistically, more thinking and intuitive types were found in the language students. (Author/LMO)

Describes The Audio Interactive Tutor (TAIT), an interactive audio/oral computer-assisted study device. TAIT's output consists of explanations and examples along with commands and questions requiring responses from the user. It uses speech recognition to determine the responses made by the user and constructs an evolving model of what the user…

The hypothesis explored is that autonomy in education and language learning is more significant than the ability to make responsible choices, relating more to exploration of the self-concept and to the realization of personal and group potential. Experiential learning is discussed in this context. (25 references) (Author/LB)

Two surveys conducted in the Soviet Union are reported that demonstrate the complicated interrelationship between linguistic form and meaning. They support Jakobson and Gorbacevic on gender signalling, particularly when the speaker is not certain of the noun in question. (Contains 44 references.) (LB)

Describes a seven-day vocabulary building unit for language deficient high school students that revolved around ice cream, fat content of foods, and heart disease. (RS)