Describes a study designed to examine native speakers' reactions to errors contained in compositions written by advanced Spanish students, as a measure of error seriousness and a guide for selective correction. Suggests that errors interfering with comprehension should be eliminated first, followed by those that elicit negative reactions from…

Describes a Trinity College (Dublin) training program for language teachers based on a foreign language learning experience, in this case attendance at a 12-week course in beginning Russian. Discusses course design and trainees' course evaluations, drawing from comments contained in their class journals and final reports. (MES)

A student survey indicating interest in second language learning is discussed, as well as the success of an "assisted self-taught" approach to uncommonly taught languages at the University of Aston, Birmingham. (AM)

Discusses problems experienced by non-Anglo-Saxon university students in assimilating scientific and technical materials written in English. Argues that instruction imparted in a foreign language impoverishes the learner's language, affecting negatively his ability to function in the native environment. Supports the use of translations against…

Occidental College offers international programs and foreign affairs courses. The emphasis on international studies extends to the core curriculum with three major areas that deal with the history, politics, and culture of other countries. Undergraduates are required to take almost two years of a foreign language. (MLW)

Discusses the speech act approach and its usefulness in conveying the meaning of the imperative both for the native speaker and for the purpose of language acquisition. Analyses the infinitival construction of German-language advertising slogans and describes its potential for conveying a variety of messages. (Author/MES)

Discusses research supporting the contention that listening fluency should be taught first and oral response delayed because languaqe acquisition takes place without any overt performance. Includes extensive bibliographic references. (PMJ)

New York City has been increasing its high school bilingual program aimed at easing the transition faced by non-English speakers. Immigrants are given special courses in English, while at the same time they take the regular content-area courses in their native language. (LRA)

Describes a course that uses translation of literary French into English to heighten students' awareness of the two languages and of literary composition. (AM)

Reviews the history of educational reform in Quebec, at the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary levels. The areas of curriculum design, parent involvement, human resources, and administration are addressed. (AM)

Discusses the value of the mystery story in the language class as a source for a variety of exercises and assignments in which students can use grammatical constructions in a natural context. (CFM)

Describes a study/travel program, offered at Cleveland State University, which combines a quarter-long topical course devoted to the study of a country, followed by a two-week visit to the country. The course is designed to teach both language and culture. (Author/AM)

Argues for a commitment to foreign language study and international understanding at the federal level. (AM)

Discusses theories behind the shift in emphasis from drill to communication practice. Concludes that students' awareness of their learning process helps bridge this gap. Includes communication exercises promoting natural information exchange which motivate students to take responsibility for improving their communicative skills. (PMJ)

Undertakes to classify the various types of questions occurring in everyday speech for the use in foreign language teaching. (IFS/WGA)