A collection of gross errors in language usage can be used effectively for classroom practice in error analysis and can increase students' understanding of the conceptual and functional frameworks of language use by appealing to their sense of humor. (MSE)

A program model designed to provide intercultural training and foster a global approach to professional education is described. The steps and components necessary to construct a foreign language intercultural course according to this model are outlined. (MSE)

A rationale is presented for describing the communicative competence of language students in terms of proficiency guidelines. Techniques are discussed for helping students develop communicative proficiency in the four skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and for evaluating students' proficiency levels in relation to…

As part of a quiet revolution, language immersion has been important in establishing confidence in the creation of bilingualism through education. The momentum of this movement can be maintained through improvements in French immersion, core French, emphasis on minority and foreign languages, and a new approach to university language curriculum.…

Examines teacher-student questioning exchanges and finds that students are rarely given sufficient time to formulate their answers before the teacher repeats, rephrases, or goes on to another student. Discusses some reasons for this behavior and suggests ways of making question asking and answering a more valuable learning experience in the second…

Discusses the need to strengthen vocabulary teaching in second language instruction. Describes a methodology based on the model of lexicon proposed by structural semantics, and illustrates this methodology with exercises in French and Italian. (EKN)

Laments the minimal role played by university language departments in the evolution of the study of language and language instruction that has occurred during the past decades. Briefly analyzes this anomaly and outlines some current international trends which stress a need for considerable changes in the role performed by the universities.…

Outlines ways in which school administrators can facilitate the teaching of second language in their schools. Includes comments on attitude and interest, scheduling, knowledge of techniques, variety of languages, language use courses and activities, professional development, knowledge of the language, curriculum development, evaluation of…

Describes the remarkable expansion of French immersion programs in Canada during the last fifteen years, stating that this "quiet revolution" of bilingualism among English-speaking Canadians has occurred in spite of various administrative, financial, pedagogical, and sociopolitical problems. Emphasizes that improvement is still needed in…

Addresses problems that arise in applying functional/notional syllabus design to general-purpose academic courses. Proposes steps that attempt to solve three major problems: (1) how to link functional and linguistic categories; (2) on what basis to select and sequence materials; and (3) how to develop functional ability in all four skills.…

Encourages language teachers to continue in their efforts in promoting bilingualism in Canada. (AM)

Concerns and trends in immersion instruction are identified and recommendations for the future are presented. Issues include language teacher education and qualifications; administrator role; accountability; junior, kindergarten, and special education; methods for encouraging nativelike language; and the definition of immersion. (Author/MSE)