Discusses the extent to which the Australian language policy "White Paper" meets the real needs of the Australian people, and the quality of Australia's on-going performance in and commitment to well-articulated language and language education policymaking relating to languages other than English. (GLR)

Presents a critical examination of the controversy surrounding the issue of "l'orthographe," a French administrative document, published December 5, 1990, that recommends the implementation of several spelling modifications in all schools. (GLR)

Examines a number of techniques and strategies in the foreign-language classroom likely to encourage acquisition through formation of associations, in particular semantic networking systems, that exist in the native speaker's mental lexicon. (GLR)

Discusses a study that examined the vocational role of second-language learning, specifically with reference to access to foreign-language specialist literature for higher degree research purposes. (11 references) (GLR)

Examines the German version of an experiment to enhance the learning of a foreign language; specifically, the strategy requires not using any English at all in the classroom, but to use the target language in all matters concerning every lesson. (GLR)

Overviews developments shaping the current environment of language teaching and learning in Australia, with particular attention to developments in New South Wales, covering such issues as educational organization and structure; the rise in global lifestyles and cultural nationalism; multiculturalism; and the roles of schools, communities, outside…

Addresses problems posed by native speakers in Chinese courses and an Australian university's attempts to meet students' needs, including identifying and directing native speakers away from courses designed for nonnative speakers and a special purpose course for those native speakers who do not necessarily have a unified language experience. (CB)

Explores issues relating to the formulation of policy for summer programs for language learning, describing one university's experience with student demand, student motivation and progress, course timing and structure, academic staffing, administrative organization, student and staff evaluation, and funding. (three references) (CB)

Overviews different kinds of language immersion programs and issues involved in their successful implementation. The Australian experience with such programs is highlighted, focusing on particular problems posed by resistance to language studies, perceived elitism, teacher shortages, immersion teacher training, student selection, immersion…

A description of a secondary school Italian course using literature and film as teaching resources illustrate how the use of a communicative approach can foster the natural integration and development of listening, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing skills. (two references) (CB)

Accepting the great motivational value of computers in second-language learning, this article describes ways to use authentic language recorded on a computer with HyperCard. Graphics, sound, and hardware/software requirements are noted, along with brief descriptions of programing with sound and specific programs. (LB)

Progress in the adoption of language policies and programs in Australia is reviewed and the current lack of sufficient well-trained language teachers to implement new policies is discussed. The need to ensure that language programs develop student skills relevant to the needs of business and industry are discussed. (21 references) (LB)

A one-semester course in Schwyzertutsch is described. The Swiss German dialect is taught as the twenty-sixth language in the noncredit extension service of the University of Queensland. (LB)

The proposed 1991 reforms to French spelling discussed in a previous issue of "Babel" have been abandoned. This article notes the history of other efforts to rectify French spelling and reviews the French Academy's decision-making process in the current effort. (LB)

A professionally oriented language course at the University of New South Wales (Australia) is described that is designed for students who have studied German in high school and wish to continue studying it to enhance their employment prospects. Both linguistic proficiency and German business culture are emphasized. (LB)