This paper proposes a matrix of notional categories for classifying grammatical structures. The use of the matrix is illustrated through question forms. Communicative competence in a language presupposes mastery of the grammatical system of that language. Therefore, in adopting a communicatively appropriate syllabus, containing varieties of…

A consensus has emerged on many issues in communicative language teaching, but one question that needs attention is the question of what ought to constitute the appropriate starting point in the design and implementation of a second language program. Two positions to consider are the following: first, the development of communicative methodology,…

Excerpts from a discussion session involving six panelists and 150 teachers of English in non-English-speaking countries range from the revolution in the communicative approach to the extent to which the mother tongue is taken into account, translation, grammatical correctness, teaching large classes, and textbook development. (MSE)

Two guides are presented to assist in organization of a thematic approach to instruction in French and Spanish that is helpful in integrating language and culture. Each booklet contains the following elements: (1) a general introduction to the factors that must be present in the teaching situation for real communication to take place, and to…

This paper discusses the selection and ordering of language items, one of the central issues in foreign language teaching. Three approaches to sequencing are considered: the communicative competence, the linguistic stem, and the notional approaches. (CFM)

Looks at the pedagogical aspects of the communicative approach, especially as it relates to syllabus design and authentic materials. Suggests that language teaching should integrate semantic and formal syllabi and combine authentic with specially written teaching materials. Argues that the communicative approach ignores the importance of the…

This article discusses the value of the notional-functional approach to language teaching and considers some sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and linguistic features of the notional-functional syllabus. (CFM)

This study of the notional-functional approach to second language teaching reviews the history and theoretical background of the method, current issues, and implementation of a notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 1 discusses the history and theory of the approach and the organization and advantages of the notional-functional syllabus. Chapter 2…

Information for second language teachers in Great Britain, also applicable to the situation in the United States, is presented. The material is organized as a response to the availability of second language instruction to students across all ability levels. In addition, issues related to new developments in theory-into-practice (such as the…