While learning and teaching English as an additional language are lifelong learning processes for both learners and teachers, these two sectors are largely dominated by West-centric linguistic and cultural imperialism, epistemic hegemony, racism, and neoliberalism, which are tied to colonialism and imperialism. In light of this issue, I argue that…

This article examines the arguments made in the article "Determiners, Feline Marsupials, and the Category-Function Distinction: A Critique of ELT Grammars" by Brett Reynolds recently published in the "TESL Canada Journal" (2013). In our response, we demonstrate that the author's arguments are problematic on both…

Transitions in ESL contexts generally refer to those linking words placed between sentences and between paragraphs. Transitions in writing (and in speaking) are helpful; they facilitate coherence and cohesion when used correctly. Understanding them when reading allows us to join the writer in seeing why and how idea B follows idea A. In this…

Robert Courchene's 1996 article entitled "Teaching Canadian Culture: Teacher Preparation" sparked a conversation in the pages of the "TESL Canada Journal" that continues today. From advocating the teaching of significant historical events and icons to encouraging second-language learners to embrace cultural ambiguity, there is…

There is evidence that semantic prosody, a novel linguistic theme, should attract much attention in ESL/EFL (English as a second/foreign language) vocabulary learning and teaching. Research suggests that inappropriate word choice arising from ignorance of semantic prosody is common among ESL/EFL learners (Wei, 2006; Xiao & McEnery, 2006). This…

Sandra Kouritzin's "Word from the Editor" in the last issue of this journal is a refreshingly heartfelt and honest appraisal of her own take on the subject positions second-language educators occupy in terms of class, race, or gender. In their relatively privileged profession, second-language educators have ambiguous relationships with…

English-as-a-second-language programs must have as their central intent the enabling of people to make meaning in English. Dimensions of context and vision and the tensions which may exist between them are explored, and an effort is made to point the way to curriculum as human praxis. (Author/CB)

Examines the relationship between teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) and national and programmatic development issues. English language teaching (ELT) is discussed from the perspective of its effects on the host culture, and suggestions are made for ensuring that EFL/ELT becomes a productive force within a host country. (Author/CB)

Seven prominent English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers present their lists of 10 instructional materials (textbooks, research studies, audiovisual materials, etc.) they would take abroad with them when teaching ESL to adults. (Author/CB)

English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers' three major roles in facilitating student learning through an individualized approach to instruction are: (1) motivating students; (2) providing models; and (3) assessing programs and giving feedback. (Author/CB)

Outlines what Universal Grammar (UG) attempts to explain in first language (L1) acquisition and considers what research UG suggests for the area of second language (L2) learning. Suggest that L2 learners are faced with similar problems as L1 learners and that UG might have a role to play in L2 as well. (SED)

Examines the traditional criteria for evaluating first and second language reading texts. Proposes that, if reading is interaction between a text and a reader, variables related to the reader's side of the process, global textual properties, content characteristics, and rhetorical and discourse features should be considered before linguistic…

Argues that fictitious roles and situations, particularly if too far removed from the students' experiences, contribute to the failure of role-playing activities as a teaching technique in second language classes. Offers an alternative view of role-taking and eight principles to guide teachers in their selection and adaptation of role-play…

Examines the use of video for listening comprehension in material design and test construction and discusses test-takers' views about video-mediated listening assessment in an English-as-a-Second-Language class in Tokyo. Findings indicate that the learners liked video in listening comprehension tests and preferred video tests over audiocassette…

Describes a classroom technique for improving the pronunciation of adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners that is based on using stress and pausing in the same manner as native speakers of English. Dramatic improvement in pronunciation may be quickly achieved by showing learners how stress and pause are related to parts of speech and sentence…