Advocates national policy of multiculturalism and multilingualism, acquired through cohesive use of a common language (English) spoken by all Australians, yet retaining and incorporating the more than 20 major languages presently in use. Suggests provisions for efficient teaching of English and encouragement of all other community languages,…

States that the major challenge for language educators and educational policymakers is how to implement a national language policy in Australia. Suggests avoiding past mistakes, such as the adoption of a major educational innovation without the concurrent development of the training of personnel, the development of necessary curricular resources…

Examines the external motivation for and attitudes toward acquiring a second language. Coming from the community at large, this type of motivation is not from the classroomand, thus, out of the hands of individual teachers. Rather, vocational usefulnes is one of the key reasons students pursue foreign language study. (SL)

A recently developed primary school German immersion program for a German community is described and its development from Canadian examples is discussed. The program is a composite of immersion, bilingual, and second language models. Early reaction is highly favorable, although the program will not be fully evaluated for a few years. (MSE)

German poems chosen for inclusion in high school second language curriculum in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia are presented along with suggestions for classroom activities, analysis, and discussion. Student reactions to the poems, both conventional and unconventional, are examined. (MSE)

During a merger, an Australian high school was designated as specializing in foreign languages and developed a program consisting of six languages (French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Latin, and Mandarin Chinese). The program is described, focusing on admission policies, testing procedures, program design and administration, facilities, and…

Distinguishes between second language learning and second language acquisition by considering the effectiveness of school foreign language programs. It is pointed out that the level of communicative competence or fluency achieved in such programs by foreign students is not that of native speakers. (CB)

Discusses the many possible applications of video in the foreign language classroom for the development of students' listening comprehension and language acquisition skills. Ways to focus on this aspect of classroom video use are described, and examples of question types (in French) are presented. (CB)

Recognizes and supports the implementation of foreign language courses that meet the specific needs and abilities of the "young-old" (people between the ages of 55 and 75). Differences particular to this population include course expectations, learning difficulties, and teaching strategies. (CB)

Summarizes the report on Australian language policy that begins by commenting on the purposes of language study and then examines the best age to begin learning a second language. It also discusses language teaching methodology, bilingual programs, the teaching of languages at the primary and secondary levels, and the quality of language programs.…

Discusses the concept of graded language levels (GLL) and three distinguishing features of the Australian situation that must be taken into account when importing this concept from Great Britain. Describes the English (GOML) and the Scottish (GLAFLL) variants of graded language levels. Offers suggestions for designing a GLL package for Australia.…

Describes "Project Languages," a research study which looked at: (1) reasons for language study, (2) its perceived contribution to secondary education, (3) availability of languages in the secondary schools, (4) reasons for the decline in numbers studying languages, (5) new developments in language offerings, and (6) current examination practices.…

Examines foreign language teaching methodologies developed in various parts of the United Kingdom, and then looks at implications for Australian classrooms. The establishment of a framework for adult language learning is stressed, based upon the language needs of the learner and the linguistic operations required in order to function effectively…

Presents significant changes that have taken place in French teaching in the United Kingdom which may possibly be adapted for use in Australian classrooms. One major addition, the "French for Business Studies" examination, has been exhibiting increasing popularity among students, due to its practical application to the everyday business…

Focuses on speech act theory and the demands of the multilevel language classroom, noting that special attention should be paid in language classes to what is meant, as distinct from what is said. Using the communicative approach to language teaching and crossing cultural boundaries, cross-cultural conversations are being developed that are…