Bachman's framework of language testing and standard of authenticity for language testing instruments were used to evaluate three instruments--the SPEAK (Spoken Proficiency English Assessment Kit) test, OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview), and a performance test--as language tests for nonnative-English-speaking teaching assistants. (Contains 53…

Patterns of use of the French particles "bon, (eh) ben, and enfin" were analyzed in a corpus of spontaneous multispeaker conversation. Results show that each particle marks a particular type of discontinuity in the discourse. Turn-initial and turn-medial patterns are described for each. (17 references) (Author/MSE)

The importance of integrating written with oral language in second-language instruction for children is emphasized, and ways to do so naturally in the first two years of French language teaching are outlined. Specific exercises are described, particularly for the second year. (MSE)

An analysis is presented of the speech act sequence of indirect complaint/commiseration in conversational interactions between Japanese learners of English as a Second Language and their English-speaking peers. Consequences of nonsubstantive, noncommiserative responses are explored in light of missed opportunities for interaction. (46 references)…

A classroom approach that brings oral and written language learning closer together is outlined. The strategy focuses on proper pronunciation using minimal pairs and uses exercises designed for listening and visualization, production, discrimination, re-use and reinforcement, and computer-assisted instruction. (MSE)

Literacy consultant Joan Groeber provides educators with a teacher-friendly, step-by-step guide for creating and using rubrics to assess a wide range of literacy skills. Groeber's approach helps ensure that students gain a clear understanding of teacher expectations and assume a greater responsibility for their own learning. Offering an overview…

The Standards of Learning in this publication represent a major development in public education in Virginia. Adopted in February 2007 by the Virginia Board of Education, these standards emphasize the importance of foreign language instruction in the Commonwealth and, therefore, are an important part of Virginia's efforts to provide challenging…

This article suggests that to better prepare students for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) oral proficiency interview, it is up to instructors to see that these students are better prepared in oral, creative speech. Bridging exercises between dialogue memorization and personalized situations can be used to help…

This oral language program, designed for children ages 3 to 5, is divided into 11 sections covering the themes of self and senses; family, home, and friends; teddy bears; school and community; colors; food; animals; clothes; summer fun; holidays; and vehicles. Numerous cutouts are provided to prepare for the activities in this book, and each…

This book provides discussion of the theoretical foundation for the integration of the language arts as well as practical suggestions for K-12 educators and teacher trainees. The essays, listed with their authors, consist of (1) "Relating Reading and Other Language Arts: A Need for Reasoned Decisions" (Mark W. Aulls); (2) "Reading, Writing,…

Students need teacher guidance to have ample practice in understanding and using the concept of intonation and its inherent parts: (1) stress (placing emphasis); (2) pitch (higher or lower sound); and (3) juncture (pauses). To communicate effectively, students need to utilize stress, pitch, and juncture appropriately in oral and written discourse.…

Shows how retelling stories appears to be a strategy to improve comprehension, concept of story and oral language. (EL)

Describes the InQuest Procedure, which actively involves the reader or listener with narrative text through a combination of student questioning and spontaneous drama techniques. (FL)

One of the notable evidences of growth in the field of educational radio and television is to be found in the increasing volume of new literature as it emerges each year. The Office of Education's Radio-Television Services, under the direction of Franklin Dunham, have followed the practice through the years of issuing periodically a bibliography…

Examines American Sign Language (ASL) in the context of the orality/literacy debate and issues of language and cognition. Posits that ASL is a natural language independent of English, and asserts that examining other modes of language use can illuminate the nature of discourse in both oral and written forms. (MM)