A study was undertaken at the Canadian Forces Base Saint-Jean to determine whether sex is a significant factor in second language learning. Subjects were 200 females and 200 males, all francophone privates between 18 and 22; no significant differences between males and females as learners were found. (CFM)

Examines sex differences in English language acculturation and learning strategies among older Vietnamese refugees using data from a national sample. Finds that females had more language problems than males, and that males were more likely than females to use various learning strategies to improve their language skills. (FMW)

Reports on a study of 160 Nigerian secondary students to determine the influence of achievement motivation and gender on performance in English language learning. Finds that, if adequately motivated, the students are capable of mastering English. Attributes the lack of gender differences to social change in Nigeria. (CFR)

This paper attempts to identify some of the reasons for problems in American-British communication, particularly in the use of intonational contours by male and female speakers. One major contrast between British and American speech is found in the use of heads. Rising heads seem to be more frequent in British English, whereas a neutral head is…

Australian enrollment statistics support the general trend that boys are more likely than girls to discontinue their study of languages and less likely to excel in the language class. The article argues that language teachers need to promote language learning for boys and work proactively on developing teaching methods that will suit boys and…

Examines differences in attitudes between boys and girls after 5 years of modern language study through interviews with 75 students, 12 language teachers, and 2 headteachers. The significance of teacher personality and classroom practice emerged clearly from student interviews. Findings are discussed in the context of the British national…

Reviews studies positing gender differences in communicative styles and documenting differences between boys' and girls' classroom behaviors, along with feminist critiques of such studies. Also investigated are perceptions of secondary students of English as a Second Language (ESL) about gendered speech. (53 references) (LR)

Offering boys greater choice over what they learn may help address their underachievement in modern languages. However, they may not profit from this unless they are given explicit guidelines regarding how to go about their learning. The article discusses the effects of social and educational contexts, student motivation, learning strategies,…