Argues that bimodal video is an effective way of enhancing second-language (L2) learners' understanding of authentic texts and their learning of content and vocabulary in the L2. Bimodal video is subtitled in the L2 and provides simultaneous exposure to spoken language, printed text, and visual information, all conveying the same message.…

Investigates a case of linguistic variation observable in the spoken French of students from French-immersion programs in Ontario, namely alternation between negative constructions with and without the negative particle "ne." (Author/VWL)

Investigates characteristics of spoken French texts. Experience teaching French as a foreign language has revealed that some university students, even at a relatively advanced level, have difficulty understanding the news on Radio France International. Suggests that three characteristics of the spoken news program that may cause students…

In response to criticism of his study of input processing and processing instruction, a relatively new concept in second language teaching, the author discusses a number of issues raised, including concepts underlying input processing, methodological concerns, instructional materials used in the study, the concept "traditional instruction," use of…

Looks at the Quebecois TV show, "Un gars, Une fille" used in a university French course to teach the socio-cultural reality that underlies all linguistic utterances in a university-level French course. Attempts to identify what makes the show more authentic than videos and CD ROMs that accompany most language textbooks in French.…

Focuses on the effect of using a second language in the classroom and the series of mental situations created in the listener in this environment. The second entry in this section discusses what is required in a student who listens to the news in a foreign language on a daily basis as presented by Radio Canada. (CK)

Reports on empirical research on second-language (L2) Zairean multilingual students of English as a Second Language. Findings confirm the hypothesis of the differential effect of task type and the level of target language attainment on the amount of interaction; suggest a significant effect on L2 learning of oral peer interaction; and show a…

Examines the background factors that may be related to the French proficiency development of candidates applying for the foreign and second language teaching option at the University of Ottawa. Candidates have to pass tests of oral and written French, and this study sought to determine what makes a candidate successful on the test. (Author/VWL)

Reports a study of children in a comprehension-based English-as-a-Second-Language program. After 6 years students performed as well as comparison students on measures of comprehension and measures of oral production. Describes gaps in the written language of students in the comprehension-based program, includes a follow-up study with secondary…

Analyzes the role played by oral language skills and by metalinguistic capacities in the reading performance of young beginner readers in French as a second language who are in a situation of successive bilingualism and observing whether differences exist between them and their francophone peers of the same age. (Author/VWL)

Examines verbal auxiliary selection in the speech of French immersion students. Examines variation in auxiliary selection in the oral discourse to determine to what extent it resembles that of native speakers. (Author/VWL)

Offers immersion classroom data focusing on the use of collaborative tasks related to the content to be learned that draw learners attention to formal properties of French. Such tasks provide both oral practice and lead to more accurate language use. (Author/VWL)

Presents a study focusing on the oral production of students enrolled in adjunct or content-based English-as-a-Second-Language and French-as-a-Second-Language courses linked to an introductory psychology course. Measured changes in students' oral production over two semesters. Discusses results of the study and its implications for the teaching of…

This study investigated whether giving learners an opportunity for oral output has any positive effect on the L2 learners' acquisition of a grammatical form. Twenty-four adult ESL learners were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an output group, which engaged in a picture description task that involved input comprehension and output…