Examines the discrepancy between spoken and written vocabularies in modern standard Chinese (MSC) textbooks that contributes to slow vocabulary development, and outlines a teaching technique to extend students' vocabulary using the ideographic nature of MSC characters rather than phonetic learning to increase efficient use of vocabulary…

Evaluates the first stage of "Lernpunkt Deutsch," a new three-stage German course designed for upper elementary and early secondary school. Describes the publisher's package of materials and the appropriateness of the course, utility of the different package elements, format of the materials, and assesses whether the course provides pedagogically…

Evaluates a multimedia instructional package for an introductory course in "survival" Japanese. The learning modules consist of dramatic video episodes of real-life situations in Japan, complemented by functional pattern drills and listening activities. Examines features, strengths, and weaknesses of the program. (MSE)

Describes the curriculum for training professional literary translators used at the Gorky Literary Institute in Moscow. (AM)

Discusses the primacy of thought over speech, and "semantic translation" vs "communicative translation," relating the former to thought, and the latter to speech. (AM)

Examines the question of whether translation is possible, relating it to the question of linguistic and cultural constraints on translation, and to the question of the relationship between language and thought. Recommendations are made for the improvement of the study of translating. (AM)

Suggests that students in French classes are not given enough practice in using numbers. Offers several suggestions, activities, and texts to help increase comprehension. (EKN)

Describes some of the books that are available to help make French study interesting and fun. (EKN)

Table lists skills for second language learning on one axis and levels of complexity on the other. Uses of table by classroom teacher in assessment are discussed. (RM)

Reviews "The Oxford Companion to Spanish Literature," edited by Philip Ward and published by Oxford University Press (1978). The work is compared to two other similar materials. (AM)

Discusses the Lozanov Method of teaching foreign languages developed by Lozanov in Bulgaria. This method (also known as Suggestopedia) uses various techniques such as physical relaxation exercises, mental concentration, classical music, and ego-enhancing suggestions. (CFM)

Outlines a four-year program of German study aiming to give students a basic ability in spoken and written German, knowledge of German culture, and preparation for advanced German study. Study topics and textbooks are included. (CHK)

Recommendations are made for a curriculum in first year language introductory courses in New South Wales high schools which would place greater emphasis on cultural understanding than on language itself. A sample course outline is given and suggestions for group and individual activity given. (RM)

Discusses the importance of setting standards, motivating students, and using relevant instructional materials and innovative teaching techniques if second language study is to be enjoyable for the student. Examples are restricted to French but can be adapted for any language. (EKN)

Discusses selected aspects of understanding spoken foreign language within the parameters of a suggested model of listening comprehension. Suggests some educational strategies in accordance with the proposed model and indicates some of the ways in which computer-assisted learning might help to develop listening comprehension. (EKN)