Languages teachers are all aware of the significant advantages and benefits learning a language provides, and believe in the importance of second language acquisition. However, why is it that languages teachers need to justify learning a second language and work hard to encourage more students to see the importance of learning a language and to…

The first meeting to discuss the formation of what was to become the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA) was held on 22 August 1961. The AFMLTA then officially commenced on 1 January 1962, so in fact the AFMLTA is not too distant from its 50th anniversary. A particular feature of the AFMLTA is the Keith Horwood…

Research holds that, for bilingual children, a strong establishment in one language not only develops skills in that language, but also facilitates the development of a second language. The participants for this research were six nine-year-old children who were being educated in their first language, Macedonian, and also in English. This research…

This article examines, from a broad historical perspective, how Australia's negative "linguistic culture" has shaped languages education in our country. Language teachers' pre- and inservice training does not often address this topic. Yet to be able to anchor one's profession within a historical, sociocultural, and political perspective,…

Research has found that literacy in the first language of a student of English as a second language (ESL) aids in the acquisition of English, but there has been little exploration of the processes that underlie this. This pilot project investigates children's experiences of literacy in their first language (Hebrew), instruction in strategies…

The focus of this study is the relationship between language attitude, beliefs, efficacy, English language competence, and language achievement. Two hundred and eighty-five students from five metropolitan primary schools in Western Australia completed a specially designed questionnaire based on the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (Gardner,…

Examines attitudes toward indigenous languages in Australia. Suggests that if indigenous languages were granted official status, they would develop and modernize in response, rather than die out.(Author/VWL)

Reports the results of a survey in Adelaide (Australia) concerning public attitudes toward language diversity and the need to teach English and/or second languages to children in the schools. The survey analyzed responses on the basis of respondent's occupation, sex, income, and age, and found a high degree of support for language diversity. (MSE)

Discusses why there has been a decline in the political and educational pressure to learn languages other than English in Australia. Recent political, economic, and educational changes are outlined that encourage the study of European and Asian languages. (Author/CB)

While the notion that cross-cultural awareness is is considered important in foreign language education, there are few studies that provide information on how language teaching and learning can foster positive cross-cultural attitudes. Discusses a questionnaire that asked learners about their attitudes toward learning languages, migrants, other…

Describes the ebb and flow of developments in language education in Tasmania. Notes priorities and developments in second language learning there while emphasizing that the island state of Tasmania is geographically isolated from the rest of the world, a situation leading to indifference toward second language learning. (Author/CK)

Presents a critical review of the South Australian and national language scenes. Notes the general apathy existing in state and federal educational circles for the vigorous pursuit of a second language teaching policy that is essential for Australia's future as a political and economic entity. It is suggested that the nation's reliance on English…

Presents some policy issues regarding Chinese language courses for students whose mother tongue is Chinese or a dialect of Chinese. (five references) (Author/CK)

Discusses the historical development of Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bahasa Malaysia, the official language of the Federation of Malaysia. (30 references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on the difficulties involved in keeping abreast of changes in Australian language policy and in attempting to guess the next trend in language teacher education. The number of publications indicates strong government support for the concept of language education, a support backed by millions of dollars allocated for this area. There is a…