Incarcerated adolescent males (n=62) with high and low depression scores were assigned to a positive or neutral affect induction condition. Following affect induction, subjects participated in tasks involving learning to read Hindi words. Results showed a main effect for self-induced positive affect on learning but no main effect for depression…

A group of college-level Spanish students received metacognitive awareness raising--a single session that, by means of brainstorming, involved students in developing a general awareness of language learning strategies. Final course grades were compared across control and experimental groups, revealing significantly higher scores for the latter.…

Describes "SuperMemo," a memorization tool that uses an automated flashcard scheme that can include sound and graphics in the database of study items. Based on the learner's performance, "SuperMemo" schedules items to appear for review. Xia Li Ba Ren ("common person" in Chinese) is the name of a Chinese word processor that runs with a standard…

Presents a survey of 37 1st-year secondary and postsecondary Spanish textbooks for their coverage of the voseo, a frequently used, 2nd person singular form of address. Results indicate that only 16% of the analyzed texts included any reference to the voseo. The article recommends inclusion of the voseo in future Spanish textbooks and in class…

Considers the interrater reliability of certified testers in five European languages, the relationship between interviewer-assigned ratings and second ratings based on audio replay, interrater reliability as a function of proficiency level, effect of different languages on interrater agreement, and interrater disagreements with regard to…

Addresses the question of how computer-assisted language learning should be designed to promote second language lexical fluency. The discussion reviews findings in the psychological literature concerning the nature of lexical development, the transfer of appropriate learning, and the conditions that promote automaticity in skilled performance. (43…

Reviews studies on the representation of words and their meanings in bilingual memory. The roles of the following variables in bilingual memory organization are discussed: the level of proficiency in the second language (L2), the strategy of learning the L2, the interval between previous and current use of L2, and the L2 learning environment. (43…

Reports on English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) curriculum renewal in African secondary schools, where teachers identified student interests, posed problems for discussion, and used the language generated by the discussions to develop language learning activities. The article describes the steps in developing problem-posing lessons. (26 references)…

Considers the benefits of extensive reading, examines some of the reasons for its failure to take off, describes two programs, and offers teachers some leading questions to help them develop their own programs. (three references) (Author/CK)

Two studies examined the performance of English-speaking learners of French as a Second Language in three areas of French morphosyntax. In both cases, learners were found to increase gradually the structural domain in which they were able to operate as their level of competence improved. (Contains 62 references.) (MDM)

Focuses on understanding the problem of students who are particularly resistant to acquisition of English language skills and on developing effective strategies to overcoming difficulties in the acculturation process. An experience of loss is part of the process of immigration; counseling can provide support during the transition period. (14…

This article discusses ethnographic research and its uses in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher preparation programs. It reviews various sociolinguistically orientated studies, as well as studies informed by a concern for power, politics, and elements of poststructuralism. (32 references) (MDM)

The purpose of this study was to derive the criteria/dimensions underlying learners' second-language oral ability scores across three tests: an oral interview, a narration, and a read-aloud. A stimulus tape of 18 speech samples was presented to 3 native speaker rater groups for evaluation. Results indicate that researchers might need to reconsider…

Discusses the design and production of multimedia Danish language materials for classroom or self-access use by learners of Danish as a Second Language and examines issues applicable to other uses of multimedia in language learning. (23 references) (MDM)

Linguistic imperialism is the expansion of a small number of privileged languages at the cost of a large number of others. The language teaching profession needs to address the ecological impact of language teaching and focus on the well-being of the inhabitants of a language ecology rather than on the economic benefits of the teaching…