This paper gives a critical overview of Australian research in the area of immigrant languages, arguing that this field of study is a significant component of the wider applied linguistics scene in Australia and has also contributed to enhancing the broad appreciation of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. It shows that research…

Language is crucial in our lives and to all disciplines. It affects our well-being individually and collectively and touches important sociopolitical issues. Linguists/applied linguists have exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary research and to work in contexts personally meaningful to them. While language is the concern of all people,…

Examines three current textbooks for German as a foreign language with regard to their coverage of Switzerland as a German-speaking nation. Concludes by suggesting that pluricentric German language textbooks for beginners are rare. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that while language variation is widespread and natural, it is subject to judgment and that where a standard has developed other varieties are judged against the standard. Investigates how teachers judge the speech of school-aged students and what influences that judgment. Results show teachers' perceptions of speech were most strongly…

Investigates learner perceptions of the use of asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) as a means of extending the community of learning in tertiary Chinese language and non-language courses. Finds that there exist pedagogical benefits in employing CMC, but the benefits do not necessarily arise from community building. (VWL)

Presents a stand-alone CD-Rom version of a Web-based course in Modern Standard Chinese and addresses the problem of losing opportunities for negotiation in joint involvement episodes with teachers and peers in the CD-ROM course. Demonstrates trials of a mode of self-assessment in tasks using annotated sample texts generated by other students. (VWL)

Describes computer-assisted group project activities, including the creation of a Web site and a poster, employed in a beginners' Japanese language course. Claims that the activities were positively received by students and suggests that three factors such as self-directed learning, group dynamics, and computer-related skills should be taken into…

Looks at the use of Web-based resources in intermediate Japanese classes and argues that resource-based learning expands students' learning environments. Suggests that in order to be successful in resource-based learning, students need to develop strategies to deal with authentic Web resources and to use information searching skills and critical…

Explores the use of hyperlinks in the presentation of online lexical resources for Korean as a foreign language and investigates students' reactions to three different reading text formats; a paper-based format, a computer-based non-hypertext format, and a computer-based hypertext format. Reports that students considered the use of hyperlinks to…

Describes an off-campus distributed language course in Indonesian and discusses the use of computer mediated communication in on-campus and off-campus courses. Argues that off-campus delivery language programs need to seek the linking of learners to a community of learners with whom they share common goals and to the broader native speaker…

Presents a multimedia software package for teaching Indonesian listening comprehension and culture and reports the findings of an evaluative study of learner use of the software package. Asserts that there was a clear increase in comfort and confidence levels among learners using technology and high proficiency learners showed higher awareness of…

Outlines recent concerns regarding a perceived decline in literacy standards in Australia, with reference to changing literacy abilities and standards in tertiary education. Summarizes and critiques current discussions on changes in literacy expectations and contemporary notions of literacy. Concludes with discussion of three important agents of…

Identifies problems of academic literacy in Australia and proposes a coordinated institutional approach to their solution. (Author/VWL)

Examines issues that have implications for pedagogical programs aimed at assisting student writers with the demands of English-speaking western academic traditions. Draws a distinction between academic researchers' writing and students writing, as well as between general and discipline specific writing. (Author/VWL)

Explores consequences of the social literacies model of understanding students' academic literacy practices at a South African University. Highlights paradoxes of this model in South Africa in terms of the particular demands of dominant literacy practices and past discriminatory policies that denied access to such practices and created alternative…