The concept of error, or mistake, is a sensitive and crucial issue in both second language learning and second language instruction. Error can play a constructive role in learning and, under some conditions, in teaching, and avoidance of error may be less productive than confrontation with it. (MSE)

Officially opened to the public in March 1992, the Hanoi Alliance Francaise has quickly become a place for francophones to meet and participate in classes and cultural activities. Its success appears to be the result of enthusiasm on the parts of both French and Vietnamese. (MSE)

Four activities for French language classroom use are presented, including a simulation of the relationships and communication within a family; pronunciation instruction through phonetic transcription; cultural awareness through students' analysis of their own and their parents' specific memories; and analysis and comparison of a literary text and…

The authors of a new book on the relationship of discourse and French language instruction, bringing different language backgrounds and professional perspectives to the issue of language teaching theory and practice, are interviewed. Discussion focuses on the role of discourse analysis in language teaching. (MSE)