The paper Languages in Contemporary Anglophone Caribbean Societies examines how language is treated in Jamaica and other Anglophone Caribbean societies and the effects of a haphazard approach to language planning on the social dynamics of the society as well as the individual. It briefly explores how Language is handled in Francophone or…

In this article, the author considers some of the issues addressed in the 2007 MLA report. The 2007 MLA report argues that the two-tiered literature/language configuration in post-secondary foreign language departments "has outlived its usefulness and needs to evolve," and even needs to be replaced. When proclamations are made that foreign…

Brigid Burke is the program coordinator of World Language Education at her university, which is housed in the College of Education and Human Development. Since obtaining this position 4 years ago, she has become most concerned about certain recommendations that were made by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in 2002,…

In her paper, Burke questions whether top-down proficiency mandates will positively impact teacher practice. Her main argument is the following: The requirement that foreign language (FL) teachers demonstrate an advanced level of proficiency does not guarantee that they will be more effective K-12 FL teachers; on this point, the author agrees with…

Access to English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses is crucial for society, social cohesion and the economy. In 2006 it was estimated that 600,000 people in London alone had an ESOL need. In some parts of the country, as many as 50 per cent of adults have Entry-level ESOL needs. ESOL is no longer an issue only for urban areas. People…

In this article, the author critiques the MLA Report. His first response to the MLA report is that it clearly identifies a number of the problems facing modern languages departments today. Enrollments and majors are declining in most modern languages departments throughout the U.S. Other academic departments do not strongly enforce language…

Discusses development of ESL programs in Western Canada, including increase in teacher training and curriculum development in order to help integrate immigrants into the mainstream. (BK)

There are many analogies between the teaching of music and the teaching of foreign languages. First, the subjects themselves are similar: both are associated with culture, both involve a notational system, both represent a means of communication, and so on. The learning processes associated with music and language are similar, as well. Both are…

Proposes a three-phase agenda including an awareness campaign for teaching of culture; realignment of programs and courses; and establishing research agenda, developing model programs, and writing exemplary materials to integrate culture into K-12 second language education. (BK)

The effectiveness of the activities surrounding the work of the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies in publicizing the status and needs of foreign language programs in the United States is reviewed. Three position papers produced for the Commission are examined. The "Resolutions on Language in American…

The process of identifying and meeting U.S. national security needs, as well as the needs of international business and trade in the area of foreign languages and international studies, is complex. Three studies of the problem are discussed here: (1) a study by the General Accounting Office of foreign affairs agencies' capacity to obtain needed…

Discusses sensitivity to other cultural values and second language skills in Canada. Believes three conditions are essential to further Canadians' understanding of fellow Canadians who speak other languages including requirements which reflect this as a priority; programs should stress cultural achievements associated with languages; current…

Presents interview with Wendy Allen after two years' employment as a foreign language employee in English at Guangzhou Foreign Language Institute in Canton. She describes the project which was to write materials and develop a syllabus for students in first two years of Institute; the cultural issues faced; and her conclusion that difference exists…

Discusses student constituencies, general education programs, institutional niches, and general education and niche expansion. Makes suggestions for ways in which foreign language study might be subtly unavoidable in general education. (BK)

Discusses foreign language curricular options for the linguistically gifted student. Provides a list of contacts for information on foreign language programs aimed at the gifted and talented student. (Prepared under the auspices of the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages.) (EKN)