Generalizations were formulated about the appropriate use of "excuse me" and "I'm sorry" and were used to explain the inappropriate use of these expressions by nonnative speakers. The use of these expressions in English as a second language texts is reviewed and suggestions for teaching are offered. (SW)

Socio-drama can be used to develop communication skills for English as a second language students. Students produce new sentences by participating in several enactments, and language use must be restructured according to the social context. Social interaction, a prerequisite for communication, is also promoted. (SW)

"Directed conversation," involving a functional approach and role playing, is recommended for English as a second language classes instead of unstructured conversation groups. The student practices not only syntax and vocabulary but the specific sociolinguistic rules appropriate to the speech situation. (SW)

A proposal to use the language of technology as the principal tool in teaching French to adult beginners. A sample module using technical language familiar to all consumers is given in detail. Such a course is designed for technicians, scientists and other interested adults. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The hypothesis that beginners in a foreign language can learn to read specialized texts before they are able to express themselves adequately is explored. Examples of texts such as ads and news articles dealing with various specialties are given. Pedagogical procedures accompany each text. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

This article discusses the notion of acquiring a basic threshold of communicative competence in a second language as it applies to the instruction of French as a second language. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

A Spanish course is described in which reading ability was gained as a preliminary to a conventional first-year language course. Through passive learning, recognition of vocabulary and grammatical structure was achieved, and correct pronunciation and writing drills reinforced learning. Good results were obtained in the subsequent conventional…

A description of units, including materials and techniques, used in secondary school French classes in Norway. The basis for selection of materials was student interest and motivation. The units appealed to the students' intelligence, imagination, sense of play and of group. Several samples are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A description of a study which tried to establish the sequence of language development in a language other than English (Farsi) and to measure the syntactic complexity of the first language against that of the second. Results indicate a direction toward the construction of better course materials and tests. (AMH)

Successful role playing results only from guided experience. The teacher must bring linguistic and extra-linguistic knowledge to deal with the social and personal situation. A series of speech activities is proposed, which approaches actual role playing progressively. Visual aids, pictures, learning cards, etc., are also discussed. (IFS/WGA)

A description of pedagogical techniques developed at Middlebury College during the summer of 1976 and clear instructions for their use by teachers. Their aim is better understanding of French and American people, values and contemporary culture. The teaching methods involve the four language skills. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A study involving eight Portugese and two Italian children in kindergarten was conducted to find out to what extent the cultural and linguistic handicaps of children from non English speaking families could be overcome by the use of non-linguistic materials. Available from: Journal of Practical Approaches to Developmental Handicap, 3304-33rd…

A description of a university course in French whose object is to give students some facility in current French as found in newspapers, magazines, radio and films; and to introduce them to contemporary French civilization. Methods used are reading, translation, synopsis writing, correspondence and interviews. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

A teacher describes an intensive Spanish course and the methods used to create the kind of exposure to total culture a student would have visiting a Spanish country. Pronunciation and speaking are practiced through use of songs, records, tapes, and poetry; students write essays; and language and culture are interrelated. (CHK)

A description of a French course given in Mexico to mathematics teachers. The object was to enable them to read primary, untranslated sources as quickly as possible. The general learning objectives, characteristics of students and teachers, methods, and a complete sample lesson plan are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)