Discusses a compromise between functionally based material and traditional grammatical approaches by suggesting the adoption of a more communicative approach to structurally based material. Using the present continuous tense as an example, the unnaturalness of traditional classroom dialog is shown; sample remedies are given. (PJM)

Examines the relationship between linguistic theory and pedagogic practices in the teaching of French at the elementary school level. Discusses two trends emerging from current literature, one denouncing the remoteness of linguistic theory from psychological research findings, the other focusing on the teaching process and its need for theoretical…

Describes methods for creating a database for computer-assisted teaching of Russian by outlining an approach to one general problem, that of entering vocabulary. It is done in such a way that the same entry is available for a wide range of grammar drills. The program's key feature is its flexibility. (PJM)

Discusses the theoretical and practical foundations of grammatical terminology defining the relationship with linguistic terminology and with the general lexicon. Devotes particular attention to the analysis of the semantic and syntactic properties of grammatical terms, to the various types of neologisms, and to the structure of the definitional…

Reviews various approaches to the description of conversation and discusses the role of conversational discourse dimensions. Mentions the participants' assumptions about conversation and strategies, in relation to the acquisition of conversation skills in a second language. Also examines the effects of transfer of L1 conversational norms into a…

Ten objects were used to assess comprehension, production, and imitation of comparative and superlative suffixes in 100 children ranging in age from two years, six months, to four years, six months. (Author/AM)

Examines the treatment of the passive voice in French grammar textbooks intended for native language instruction. (AM)

Research addressing development of mechanistic models capable of acquiring languages on the basis of exposure to linguistic data is reviewed. Research focuses on major issues in developmental psycholinguistics--in particular, nativism and empiricism, the role of semantics and pragmatics, cognitive development, and the importance of simplified…

This article discusses an experiment designed to examine the relationship between the external explanations that learners give for their language behavior, and actual language performance. The subjects who were native and non-native speakers of English were tested on their use of definite articles. (CFM)

To master the subtleties of Chinese takes years, but most Americans can learn some basic spoken and written Chinese in a matter of weeks or months. A new phonic system, Pin Yin Romanizing System, tones, structure, and characters, and a comparison of Japanese and Chinese are discussed. (MLW)

A respectable reliability of scoring twelfth-grade essays can be achieved through the use of essay models in the two Alberta Essay Scales (style-content and mechanics). The scales can assist classroom teachers in the day-to-day scoring of essays by providing a constant standard. (Author/SB)

Suggests using a sentence construction game to make basic writing students more aware of their linguistic ability and more comfortable dealing with grammar. Indicates that the experience helps students in revising their writing and introduces the experience of working creatively and playfully with language. (TJ)

Proposes a top-down procedural model for the dynamic extraction and use of context structure to resolve references. (FL)

Discusses aspects of the revised People's University Certificate English 1, including: (1) function of catalogs in setting forth learning goals (topics, situations, intentions) for textbook writers and course directors; (2) advantages of authentic exercise texts; (3) weighting linguistic skills; (4) vocabulary work; and (5) developing grammatical…

Elaborates on and updates the article "Derived Noun Phrases in Spanish Containing Locatives" by John P. Wonder and Alberto Eraso Guerrero (1976). Gives a detailed description of the uses of "ser" and "haber" in the locative expression. (NCR)