A thorough knowledge of grammar is a necessary condition for fluency and correct expression in a foreign language because it replaces one's instinct in the native language. Three rules for mastery are given: regular practice of specific exercises; a habit of self-criticism; work on weak points. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

This study was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of communicative and noncommunicative oral language practice in beginning college French. Two groups of students were compared regarding type of oral practice. Communicative practice students were superior to noncommunicative practice students in ability to send and receive messages…

An investigation of the differences between first and second language acquisition and the relationship between age and second language learning. The stages in native language acquisition and the advantages of an early start in second language learning are discussed. (AMH)

Concentrates on the problems arising at the undergraduate level concerning elaborating strategies to teach interpreting skills. (CLK)

Relations between various measures of attitudes toward self, the native language group, the target language group, reasons for learning ESL, reasons for traveling to the U.S. and attained proficiency in ESL were investigated. Attitudes toward self and the native language group were positively correlated with attained proficiency in ESL. (CHK)

Reviews three aspects of language learning--the natural order hypothesis, the role of routines and patterns, and learner strategies--and addresses how these elements relate to the practice of second-language teaching. (CB)

A three-step process in designing a test to assess children's oral language proficiency in specific communicative areas is described and illustrated, and the utility of such tests for classroom teachers is discussed. (MSE)

Posits that a child's success in acquiring English may depend to a large degree on his or her proficiency in the heritage language. (CB)

Investigates the degree to which potential users of language reading proficiency scales acquire the standard for accurately grading reading passages of foreign-language learners. A five-day workshop helped users of the guidelines rank reading passages for levels of difficulty and rate them accurate according to the ACTFL scales. (Author/CB)

Illustrates an inexpensive use of videodisc technology in the foreign language classroom for proficiency, provides information on foreign language discs and instructions for combining disc materials with a given text to produce a proficiency-oriented syllabus, and shows a simple technique for individualizing videodisc instruction. (Author/CB)

Investigates what correlations might exist between an individual's score on the Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache and on the Oral Proficiency Interview. The tests themselves are briefly described. Results indicate that the two tests appear to correlate well in their evaluation of speaking skills. (SED)

Suggests how transcripts of academic lectures and pseudo-cloze exercises developed from these transcripts may be used to help foreign students to become aware of the skills (e.g., recognition of conventions and cues which signal important information in lectures) involved in the process of listening to lectures. (SL)

Focuses on the changes necessary in Dutch foreign language teaching policies. Cites the need for a greater differentiation of objectives in learning languages. The relevance of the European context to these policies suggests international communication as one essential goal, whether the approach involves multilingualism or a small number of…

This article discusses the use of commercial television programs as a tool for teaching French. (CLK)

This book presents a range of views on the concept of the native speaker, considering psycholinguistic, linguistic, and sociolinguistic aspects. It examines the Critical Period Hypothesis; the role of the standard language; the kinds of knowledge (metalinguistic, discriminating, communicational, and skills) that the native speaker possesses; and…