This article examines recent research in the areas of contrastive analysis (CA) and error analysis (EA) as they apply to second-language learning, focusing on redefinitions and modifications of the concepts of language "transfer,""error," and "native speaker." It argues that both CA and EA remain vital components of applied linguistics and…

This article discusses Moroccan attitudes toward English language instruction and usage, focusing on such issues as "cultural imperialism," the deculturalization of English, and implications for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Morocco. It is argued that a culturally sensitive approach to EFL instruction should focus more…

Twenty figures and tables illustrate the findings of the Modern Language Association's survey of doctoral graduate placements. Areas covered include PhD degrees granted, placement of 1991-92 PhDs, changes through time, and placement for individual degree programs. (three references) (LB)

Reviews studies delineating positive effects of visually engaging, authentic classroom materials on language learning and cultural attitude formation. Cross-disciplinary approaches combining language, literature, history, and art emerge as effective methods of creatively using class time to achieve linguistic and cultural proficiency. (30…

The educational advantages of open-book testing are explored, considering the changes in teaching method that are necessary for open-book testing to be successful. How open-book testing should work is illustrated through the example of tests for Spanish-language classes. (SLD)

Investigation of Vietnamese and Cambodian immigrants' acquisition of the English variable "ing" found that such production was constrained by phonological, grammatical, stylistic, and social factors. (39 references) (Author/CB)

Offers a comprehensive program for improving the working relationship between home and school for foreign language programs and their students. The course outline, homework policy, parental assistance, monitoring and support, parent/teacher conferences, and the use of other special conference sessions are discussed. (seven references) (GLR)

Compared the ability of native language speakers of Japanese with English-speaking students of Japanese, and vice versa, in reporting sentence subjects after listening to Japanese and English word strings. The word strings consisted of one verb and two nouns each. (49 references) (GLR)

Derivations of the term "gerund" are examined as they pertain to native English speakers learning French, Italian, and/or Spanish. The form's etymology is chronicled from Latin, and its current usage in student textbooks in the three languages is examined. A solution to the terminological confusion surrounding the term is proposed. (41…

Describes a university's experimental task-based French program that successfully integrated foreign language learning more fully with the learning of interpersonal skills and nonlinguistic content, although some language skills, especially those needed for advanced written language and translation, appeared to suffer. (14 references) (Author/CB)

A study of business letters indicates striking differences in the politeness strategies used by native and nonnative English speakers. Nonnative speakers' language tended to be less formal, more direct, and showed an avoidance of certain politeness strategies. The findings suggest that even grammatically flawless business writing may be perceived…

Study results indicate that motivation and attitudinal factors are critical in predicting students' success in beginning Japanese. Classroom personality factors such as risk taking and discomfort were also found to be determinants of the students' final grades. (27 references) (Author/LB)

The use of literature courses in the teaching of English to nonnative university students in the Third World is discussed. Some English department literature courses are reviewed, and it is shown that, as taught in Arab countries, they do not significantly improve the students' performance because of the emphasis on content rather than mode of…

A study of 170 first-year and 41 third-year Chinese university science majors suggests that first-year students had little familiarity with the Western notion of plagiarism, poor ability to recognize it, and less concern with the rights of the original writer. Third-year students had greater concern for the issue of honesty. The questionnaire is…

A study among college students investigated the effects on the developing knowledge system of the second-language learner of two different types of instruction: instruction as manipulation of output, and as structured or focused input processing. Results support the input-processing perspective and the salience of the role of input. (43…