A writing exercise consisting of a description of an automobile accident was carried out by two groups, one consisting of skilled workers, the other of professionals. The results were compared in terms of clarity, length, grammar, vocabulary, and tone. (AM)

Considers why Bernstein's theory of language codes has been misinterpreted, and describes an experiment in which undergraduate students interpret categories derived from Bernstein's lists of "linguistic code markers" in accordance with expectations emanating from a simplistic understanding of the theory. Suggests that the labelling…

Describes the phonology, grammar and semantics of Technical English in India. Interference from the mother tongue and from Common English is also discussed. (KM)

A discussion of the use of an accident report form, especially for practice in past tense usage. A lesson plan is outlined as follows: introduction using slides, a question-answer session between two sets of students and the actual writing of the report. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Language educators need to consider whether the goal for learning English as a foreign language is to be bookish "correctness" or something approaching the competence and performance of at least moderately well-educated native speakers. Grammatical usages and pronunciations are considered and comparisons with other languages are made. (SW)

Advocates a return to teaching standard written English and setting high standards for all students. (MKM)

Establishes the existence of perceived male/female speech stereotypes. (RL)

Second language learning involves the process of transferring cultural patterns of the source language to the target language. Learning a new language required an understanding of the cultural setting of the language. (Author/SW)

This article argues against the threshold approach to second language instruction, which concentrates on the acquisition of functional and practical aspects of the language in question. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

The linguistic and cultural needs of Chinese students should be considered in English as a second language classes. A job interview is used as a social situation for an exercise to practice sentences demonstrating correct Canadian social usage. (SW)

Cites a typical classroom "pseudo-conversation," showing how German students of English sound stiff and clumsy when conversing with English-speaking partners. This is blamed partly on the teacher's behavior. The example is then expanded into a "communicative exchange." In teaching conversation, manner is seen as more important…

English language study should be introduced into the social work curriculum since various social judgments people make about each other on the basis of dialectal differences may interfere with communication between social workers and their clients, coworkers, or the general community. (Author/LBH)

Study is made of five problem categories arising from use of national languages in training or education: linguistic, technical, educational, economic, and political. Conditions which appear necessary for the success of such changes involve planning, flexible rate of introduction, and synthesis of linguistic reform with other educational reforms.…

Responds to an article by S. Alan Cohen on oral language deficiency and its relation to reading failure, and concludes that reading achievement and reading failure are largely determined by cognitive and communicative strategies that may be socialized differently in diverse social and ethnic groups. (JM)

Before asking how to teach French, one should ask what French to teach. It is suggested that everyday French, "la langue usuelle," should be the norm for American teachers and textbook writers and editers. Greater utilization of film scenarios and songs of good quality are among the means suggested. (Text is in French.) (AMH)