Recordings of various sound effects may be used to stimulate dialogue in foreign language classes. Examples are given. (CHK)

A thorough knowledge of grammar is a necessary condition for fluency and correct expression in a foreign language because it replaces one's instinct in the native language. Three rules for mastery are given: regular practice of specific exercises; a habit of self-criticism; work on weak points. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

This study was undertaken to determine the relative effectiveness of communicative and noncommunicative oral language practice in beginning college French. Two groups of students were compared regarding type of oral practice. Communicative practice students were superior to noncommunicative practice students in ability to send and receive messages…

A question-answer technique is described that is based on authenticity of form and content and that has applicability at virtually all levels of instruction. After automatic responses, students provide definitions, rephrase content, or express opinions in the second language. (Author/SW)

Language and communication are not composed solely of traditional words. Sounds of a language also affect intercultural understanding and communication. (Author/HP)

Finds that pictures are useful in communication-oriented foreign language teaching, though not in skill-oriented; however, attention must be given to "pragmalinguistic" and perceptual/psychological points of view when introducing visual materials. Examples are given, with concise suggestions for teaching. Political cartoons and comics are…

Discusses results of a field study indicating that an individual's sex and course grade accounted for a significant portion of the variance of final self concept scores. (MH)

Suggests that small group researchers investigate message variables as a method of communication analysis. Provides examples of research-based behavioral objectives for small group communication classes. (MH)

After participating in a public speaking situation that allowed collection of self-report, physiological, and behavioral manifestations of anxiety, 67 subjects were randomly assigned to either desensitization, "T scope" therapy, or no treatment. Desensitization reduced public speaking anxiety in both contexts, whereas the placebo was effective…

A proposal to transform Spanish into a universal language because it possesses the prerequisites: it is a living language, spoken in several countries; it is a natural language; and it uses the ordinary alphabet. Details on simplification and standardization are given. (Text is in Spanish.) (AMH)

In order to examine the extent to which adult judgments of first words depend on visual and auditory cues, spontaneous utterances were collected for boys and girls ages one year, five months to one year, ten months. Adults named the same toys. The older the speaker, the less perception was affected by visual context. (Author/SW)

Twelve one-word-stage children were given minimally contrasting two-word instructions. Since non-linguistic cues were eliminated, comprehension involved making non-syntactic inferences from the word combinations. The children could respond correctly to some of the instructions, and even carried out some unfamiliar activities. (Author/SW)

Describes a three-day communication skills seminar in which participants are exposed to nonverbal communication, theories of speaking and practice, and group dynamics training. Emphasizes the positive effects of using videotape recordings as instructional aids. (RL)

Demonstrates how small group discussion can be used as a teaching strategy across secondary school subject areas. (MH)

This article describes a study attempting to correlate language style in elementary school children with sociocultural factors. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)