Discusses the Egyptian government's decision in 1994 to require the learning of a second language at the primary level in the public schools. The article focuses on Egypt's desire to have its citizens achieve an educational status that is competitive on a global level and delves into textbook content and pedagogical ideas that will shape the…

Using examples in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, the article suggests various activities to promote the learning of descriptive adjectives and to expand students' active vocabulary. These activities include describing oneself or a friend, finding a person who possesses certain characteristics, choosing an ideal companion, and…

Studied why native-born American students are less motivated and less successful at learning French than non-native-born students. Findings indicate that native-born American students' lack of exposure to foreign languages and cultures via the media affected their motivation. Strategies are outlined for increasing motivation through greater…

Investigates attitudes and cultural background of Israeli Arab students learning Hebrew and Israeli Jewish students learning English to reading comprehension in familiar/unfamiliar cultural stories. Compares contexts: Arabs as minority group learning the majority language and Jews as majority group learning a minority language. Indicates that…

Researchers spent four months observing and interviewing students in French and Spanish language classrooms. Several themes emerged from the data which characterize the phenomenon of learner interaction in technology-enhanced language learning environments. This article presents a more contextualized picture of the implementation of technology in…

Argues that in the European School (ES) program, younger students should learn in their own language, as opposed to in English, which is widely practiced at international schools. Suggests specific language learning according to ES' four stages: (1) nursery school; (2) primary school; (3) middle school; and (4) upper school. (CW)

Examines the influence of first-language reading-models on second-language reading-theory and research. Recommends a sharing and transfer of knowledge between related disciplines, such as first- and second-language reading, to increase understanding of the reading process, regardless of the target language. (PA)

Focuses on how learners perceive the experience of their linguistic development, and particularly how contextual factors in the learning environment and individual issues such as linguistic goals, self confidence, and friendship patterns interact with their perceptions of progress and performance in Spanish. Data consists of reports from advanced…

Draws on experience with a transdisciplinary literacy project in writing development at the secondary level to address the sub-field of "writing-literacy," writing as a linguist working across an applied versus theoretical frontier. (Author/VWL)

Discusses autonomy in language related to East-Asian contexts, describing autonomy in language learning, proposing a framework for learners in all contexts, examining three sources of sociocultural influence that could affect students' approaches to learning in East Asia, and considering attitudes and habits of learning that might result from such…

This study examines the short-term effects of a two-way bilingual education program on the literacy development of students in kindergarten and first grade. This study compared the literacy development of two groups of children who received different proportions of instruction in English and Spanish. Both the experimental and control groups…

This article discusses how we incorporated an extensive reading (ER) program into a second semester Japanese course at the University of Hawai'i using Japanese children's literature. After summarizing the ten principles of ER, we describe how we addressed six critical issues faced while introducing ER into the course. We also discuss the outcomes…

Although the "homestay" has long been considered a key factor in the study abroad experience, it is one of the least examined components of foreign study. In an effort to explore this issue from various perspectives, this study targeted several programs in Spain and Mexico with interviews of host families, students, and housing directors. Each…

Do world language students exhibit higher achievement than students who choose not to study a language? This study sought the answer to this question by comparing standardized test scores of language students with those of non-foreign-language students. Additionally, comparisons were made between students who started language study in middle…

While the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (2000) reported that only 1.3% of high school students currently take Latin, the College Board, which administers the Advanced Placement program, reported a 95% increase since 1993 in students taking the Latin exam for college credit. States like Virginia, for example, offer Latin for…