For many years rhetoric and grammar were linked in foreign language education, and then they drifted apart. More recently, pragmatics, the study of meaning related to language use in a natural context, has returned and appears in some form in the communicative approach, situational language instruction, and the notional functional approach. (MSE)

This paper focuses on the study of markedness theory in Universal Grammar (UG) and its implications in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), showing that the language learners should consciously compare and contrast the similarities and differences between his native language and target language, which will facilitate their learning. (Contains 2…

This curriculum guide, almost entirely in Spanish, outlines adult basic education course content to be taught in a Spanish-language high school equivalency program. The course is designed to help students prepare for the General Educational Development (G.E.D.) exam in written expression. The guide begins with a Spanish skills placement test.…

The book provides teachers, program directors, administrators, and parents involved in Spanish-English bilingual education programs with practical ideas to support the development of reading and writing programs in Spanish, using literacy approaches that are effective and empowering for Spanish-speaking children in American schools. It describes…

The Echota trace their roots to the Chickamauga Cherokee of North Alabama. Today the Echota number 22,000 with a tribal council that administers tribal lands, supports a dance team, publishes a newsletter, and supervises an Indian education program. One of the tribe's objectives is to revitalize the Cherokee language. Working with Auburn…

Aligned with its 1998 standards for first- and second-language learning, Alberta Learning has published lesson plans that aim for a closer relationship between learning and evaluation. Each volume in this series presents a specific task for students that involves planning, carrying out, and evaluating their work. The task for tenth grade students…

Aligned with its 1998 standards for first- and second-language learning, Alberta Learning has published lesson plans that aim for a closer relationship between learning and evaluation. Each volume in this series presents a specific task for students that involves planning, carrying out, and evaluating their work. The task for twelfth grade…

This paper argues for the use of indigenous languages as languages of teaching and learning, focusing on Zimbabwe. It describes the language situation in Zimbabwe, which has three national languages (all of which enjoy some prominence under the current Education Act) and fourteen minority indigenous languages. English plays a central role in…

This paper examines the second language teaching experience in Nigeria. It discusses mother tongues, official second languages, indigenous second languages, and foreign languages. It critically evaluates the Six Year Primary Project, a model study which examined the effectiveness of one Nigerian mother tongue, Yoruba, as a medium of instruction in…

Although language needs, strategies, and instructional situations vary considerably, some degree of integration of methods for native and second language instruction based on empirical research is recommended. The value of second language instructional methods for native language instruction, instruction for communicative competence, and the place…

Two former teachers of French as a foreign language reflect on their experiences in that role and more recently as French native language instructors at the same level, focusing on differences in audience, objectives, texts, and methods of instruction and student evaluation. (MSE)

Difficulties experienced by Italian teachers who are employed by the Federal Republic of Germany to teach native Italian pupils their native tongue are described. Suggestions for improving the training of these teachers are given. (PP)

A limited attempt to teach and assess the ability of native English-speaking adolescents is described. The concern is not to teach more language but to encourage use of existing language in a formal interview with maximum flexibility and effectiveness. Possible ties into second language instruction are considered. (Author/MSE)

Outlines the history of multilingual policies in American education, citing cases in the 19th century where children were taught in their native languages. Also discusses court cases that have had an effect on present bilingual education legislation. Calls for a consistent language policy in American schools. (Author/GC)

Describes the development and first year of a bilingual resource room in an Illinois elementary school. Discusses school and community context, students, and staff. Details resource room practices and activities for each grade, K-5, as well as multigrade activities. Outlines program problems--many related to staff attitudes and communication--and…