Discusses difficulties in perception of English /r/ and /l/ and concludes the error pattern is not predictable on the basis of contrastive phonological analysis but might be the result of acoustic-phonetic factors. (EKN)

Combines studies in cognitive psychology and language acquisition with observations of pedagogical materials and student performance to analyze foreign-language teaching from the perspective of what students and teachers need to understand about language learning and language before meaningful debate over methodology can be undertaken. (Author/MES)

Teachers' perceptions of students' ability to write and speak English are much higher than students' self-perceptions. Students in northern Italy have higher achievement but less positive attitudes than students in the center-south region. (CP)

Discusses the role of a core curriculum in language instruction in Australia. The semantics of "core curriculum" are treated. Arguments are given for methods of developing a core curriculum and for the inclusion of second language instruction in the core. Implications are discussed for language teaching and the educational system. (PJM)

Describes pedagogical experiment with emphasis on the student and his/her specific needs and motivations. Involves self- and group work with teacher support. Individual work alternates with group work, focusing on production of a project or task corresponding to objectives defined by members of group. (Author/BK)

Discusses stylistic variation in communication, the elements involved (participants, contact, message, context, and code), and ways in which to incorporate the knowledge of this process in second language instruction. (AM)

Reviews research on the language learner and immersion-type bilingual education programs. It is noted that formal foreign language teaching may be needed in these programs for primary school children. It is suggested that research is needed and that a combination of functional and formal approaches be used. (Author/AMH)

It is argued that cognitive/academic language proficiencies in first and second languages are interdependent and empirically distinguishable from interpersonal communication skills. This analysis is applied to the interpretation of data on the effects of bilingual education programs and on the age issue in second language learning. (PMJ)

Based on a sample of 95 first- and second-grade children with a Spanish language orientation (SPLO), psychometric information is provided for a newly constructed auditory perception test designed for children who are attempting to acquire basic reading, writing, and oral skills in standard American English. (Author/CTM)

Language and culture programs for children speaking a minority language are discussed and outlined in terms of psycho-educational rationales, program options, and empirical and theoretical considerations of the appropriateness of such programs. (JMF)

Discusses the process of native language learning and explores the relationship between it and second language learning. It is suggested that in a language curriculum, the initial emphasis should be on receptive skills. Accuracy, appropriateness, and fluency in communication are discussed, as well as instructional modes for training in these…

Teacher prepared taped exchanges of realia between foreign language classes and classes of speakers of the target language provide language lessons through personal contact similar to those gained through a trip to the country of the target language. Sample lessons offer linguistic, cultural, and practical guidelines for implementing such a…

Listening to native speakers' taped situational interchanges on a frequent basis from the onset of instruction offers numerous advantages to the language learner. Gives suggestions to the instructor on how to make, obtain, and use such tapes. (PMJ)

Describes preception-oriented foreign language teaching strategies by listing the characteristic features of the perception of social processes and the methods for putting the principles of perception orientation into practice through such techniques as dialogues, roleplays, and simulation. Includes extensive bibliographic references. (PMJ)

Described is the secondary science teacher's answer to the needs of their limited English proficiency students. Topics include the parallels between acquiring a first and a second language, the kind of learning environment most conducive to language learning, and scientific processes which are used for instructing students with English as a second…