Describes "l'autodictionnaire," a computer program created to help language learners enrich their vocabulary through the use of an electronic, modifiable dictionary. (SR)

Focuses on how to work crossword puzzles, such as those published in magazines or specialized publications. The article emphasizes the importance of the dictionary for this activity, which can be a pleasant cultural exercise in vocabulary development and spelling instruction. (Author/CK)

Class exercises that go beyond typical "transitive" use of the first definition in a dictionary entry are proposed. It is argued that transitive dictionary use is limiting and deprives students of the richness of a language and its cultural context. (MSE)

A detailed explanation of the nature of semic analysis whose object is the breakdown of meaning into its constituent parts, principally meaning expressed by lexical units. There are numerous examples of words, word families and their histories. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Although language is saturated with culture, and the language of popular culture contains much information about a civilization, there is little attention given to this form of language in traditional dictionaries. What is needed is a dictionary of words having special cultural significance. (MSE)

The definition of the suffix "-ard" as giving a negative or pejorative meaning to a word is disputed, and it is proposed that the suffix is simply a particular, socially marked form of expression. (MSE)

Four activities for the French language classroom are described. These include helping students discover comparative expressions by using advertisements; using horoscopes for teaching vocabulary; using a missing persons report as a source for intermediate to advanced level discussion, collective writing, and questions; and a video designed to…

Three brief articles present ideas for classroom language instruction, including a beginner's lesson in imperatives using advertisements, an exercise in vocabulary related to royalty, and a group of information-seeking games. A fourth article, one of an ongoing series, presents 39 definitions of terms related to language instruction. (MSE)

The production of an "etymologary," a dictionary giving insight into etymology, is proposed as a creative Classroom activity and source of learning exercise that encourages linguistic manipulation, which can have positive effects on vocabulary development. Examples from French and Italian are presented. (MSE)

Typical contemporary ways of forming word derivations and composite words in French are outlined and discussed, and the distinctions between different types of composites are noted. (MSE)

This article reviews the problems and issues raised by neologisms, specifically in French. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Problems and techniques in teaching the translation of idioms that make little or no sense literally are examined, using as an example the translation of a French idiom into German. Use of bilingual dictionaries and other related activities to deepen and enrich understanding of the language are stressed. (MSE)

Four ideas for French language classroom activities are described, including a vocabulary development exercise about jobs, a reading comprehension exercise; discussion of a Flaubert text; and an art appreciation activity based on a Picasso sculpture. (MSE)

A variety of classroom games, exercises, and activities intended to make the learning of French phonetics and vocabulary appealing are suggested. The activities use sound, rhyme, images, and words to stimulate interest and practice. (MSE)