This paper discusses how an understanding of speech acts contributes to the communicative competence in foreign language learning. Reviewing John Searle's five categories of speech acts (1976), the directive is discussed in terms of its manifestations in various foreign languages. Examples of directives in English, German, French, and Spanish are…

This document is the result of a project commissioned by the Council of Europe to produce a system of units in foreign language instruction for European adults. The threshold level of foreign language ability is conceived not only as communicative competence at the survival level, but as the ability to communicate on an interpersonal level, that…

This volume of a publication devoted to providing ideas and guidance for teachers of English as a second language includes articles on teaching reading, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and culture. (MN)

Discusses the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) to Islamic students finishing their secondary education to enable them to read, with reasonable speed and comprehension, texts in their special subject areas. Gives specific teaching strategies that can be applied to normal ESL instruction. (EKN)

This rationale for the German immersion program of the Milwaukee public schools (grades K-5) sets forth general and specific program goals as well as criteria for evaluating communicative competence. A list of sample exercises for specific communicative acts (e.g., telling, informing, requesting) is included. Topics for oral and written…

This book covers essential problems and basic concepts of English language testing. There are 20 chapters in four sections. Section 1, "Background," includes: (1) "Why Teachers Test"; (2) "Some Definitions"; (3) "Validity and Reliability"; and (4) "What You Should Learn about Standardized Tests." Section 2, "Preparing To Write Tests," includes:…