Discusses the problems encountered in training foreign language teachers, in particular the lack of behavioral objectives. Factors in setting up a teacher training course are considered. These include students' characteristics, the instructional team, reference room materials, classroom environment, course procedures and evaluation, and classroom…

The authors stress the importance of using a "science-oriented" syllabus when teaching a second language for specific purposes and identify the linguistic concepts which must be incorporated into such a syllabus. They discuss their experience in teaching Italian for specific Purposes at the National University in Somalia. (CFM)

The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the secret mechanisms of political rhetoric and analyzes in particular the vocabulary and morpho-syntax of political language. (CFM)

States that both the register and variety of an interpreter's speech are quite limited and analyzes the linguistic characteristics of "International English," the English used by interpreters at international conferences. (CFM)

The author discusses the reasons for using the language laboratory in foreign language instruction now that the functional approach has replaced the audiolingual method and gives examples of possible lab exercises. (CFM)

Discusses the results of recent research concerning the effects of bilingualism on the development of preschool children and explains how early bilingual education greatly enriches a child's personality cognitively, linguistically, affectively, socially, and morally. Claims it is possible and beneficial to offer young children the opportunity to…

The author traces the development of speech act theory from Wittgenstein and Austin through Searle to Grice and shows how their work led to the notional functional approach to language teaching, which is based on the learner and his/her communicative needs. (CFM)

Outlines John Dewey's philosophy of education and describes the Creative Drama Seminar, a method the author has developed based on Dewey's pedagogical principles for students studying English as a foreign language in an Italian university. (CFM)

Discusses an English test the authors designed to determine areas of interference between the lexical systems of Italian and English. Fourteen Italian students were asked to complete two multiple-choice vocabulary exercises, correct vocabulary items in a short reading passage, and translate a dialog from Italian into English. The complete test and…

Discusses the fundamental aspects of verbal communication and analyzes its functions in terms of social needs. Takes an historical perspective to distinguish different levels of social development characterized by different communication requirements and stages of language evolution. From these premises, it argues for a sociocultural approach to…

Argues that a lively and balanced social interaction among students is essential for successful second language instruction. Suggests that teachers receive training in interpersonal relationships and group dynamics and that they plan activities promoting effective classroom interaction. Defines communication rules and describes procedures intended…

Presents the results of a world-wide survey on the teaching of French, both as a first and as a second language. States the objectives of the investigation and describes the procedures used to collect the relevant information. The documentation guidelines used to conduct the survey are reproduced in the appendix. (MES)

Describes the problems of adjustment encountered by Italian immigrants' children in German-speaking Switzerland. Analyzes data from Swiss public schools tests and enrollment figures discussing the factors that mark large numbers of these children for the lowest occupational levels. Blames the school system's early selection practices as one…

The development of an intensive Italian course for science students attending Somalia's National University is described. The historical background for this project, sponsored by the Italian Government and staffed by Italian teachers, is outlined. Course objectives, methods, and organization are illustrated by samples of instructional materials,…

An approach to language textbooks evaluation based on objective criteria and relying on data easily obtained by means of computers, such as word frequency lists, is proposed. The importance of vocabulary acquisition in language learning is emphasized. Accordingly, word selection and rate of repetition are seen as central evaluation criteria. (MES)