Examines how evaluation works through a text to convey the overall purpose of the writer of the text by using a developing corpus of academic research articles from a variety of disciplines. Findings indicate that the type of evaluation varies according to the type of entity and that two categories of research entity exist: those related to…

Notes that beginning foreign language learner-readers lack linguistic and cultural knowledge assumed in foreign language literary texts, gaps often resulting in possible "mismatches" between the readers' actual cognizance of linguistic and cultural norms and the level of understanding assumed in the foreign text. (40 references) (Author/CK)

Presents strategies for reading visual images. Illustrates how visual systems inform the process of listening for the meaning of foreign language words and phrases. Suggestions are provided on how these strategies apply to a larger curricular program that integrates media into its overall learning objectives. (35 references) (Author/CK)

Argues, with a theoretical focus, that evidence of cross-linguistic influences on language use can and ought to be enlisted in second language (L2) attrition research to clean up "spontaneous speech data." Notes that since L2 attrition researchers have little control over the content of the spontaneous speech data they use, they need the…

Discusses the academic emphasis on students acquiring fluency in a second language to foster their advancement in the business world of international commerce. Notes that human resource experts in U.S.-based international corporations often give a low priority to linguistic fluency and emphasize the need for cultural expertise. (Seven references)…

Proposes strategies for reducing foreign language anxiety in the classroom: (1) discuss feelings with instructor and other students; (2) relax, exercise, and eat well; (3) prepare for and attend every class; (4) keep foreign language class in perspective; (5) seek opportunities to practice the language and accept errors are a part of the learning…

Presents the results of four versions of an English-as-a-Second-Language listening test: one with questions before, one with questions after, one with questions sandwiched between two hearings and one without questions. Subjects completed questionnaires and wrote a free recall. Results from the recall were inconclusive, but in the tests, the…

Notes that teachers of German can use "Deutsche Welle tv" broadcasts on cable to create content-based teaching modules for beginning students of German. The article outlines strategies for developing video units focusing on various topics to be integrated into existing language programs. (Six references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the importance of including bilingual English/Spanish picture books in library collections, introduces some recent titles, and describes some programming ideas. Topics include second language study, children teaching English to Spanish-speaking parents, cultural studies, and bilingual presentations. (LRW)

High-ability (n=97) and average-ability students (n=84) were asked to read a Spanish passage on a computer and use glosses provided for certain words to aid in comprehension or create glosses using a Spanish-English dictionary and annotation software (experimental task). High-ability students performed significantly better after the experimental…

Evaluates differences between immersion and non-immersion university-level students' willingness to communicate, communication apprehension, perceived competence, and frequency of communicating . Also examines elements of integrative motivation. Differences between immersion and non-immersion groups are observed in the communication-related…

Examined whether Chinese is used in tertiary-level English classrooms in China, and if so, how often and for what purposes. Also examined the attitudes of the students and teachers toward using Chinese in the EFL classroom. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on testing writing in the English-as-a-Foreign-Language classroom. Describes a study comparing students' expectations of grades with their actual grades earned for essays assigned in freshman English classes at the Lebanese American University. (Author/VWL)

Based on positive findings of previous research with English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners, an integrated reading and writing course for first year Arab EFL students was designed at Beit Berl College, a 4-year teacher training college in Israel.Describes the course objectives, reading and writing requirements, in-class activities, and instructor…

Describes a successful early start, long sequence Japanese foreign language in the elementary school (FLES) program that was identified as one of seven model programs in a national project funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Highlights literacy instruction in Japanese, student assessment, language camps, visits to Japan, parent…