Discusses how visual perception may be adapted for language teaching purposes. Since the study of language is not restricted to the verbal domain, a language teaching strategy involving visual aids enables the learner to communicate both actively and passively in a foreign language, thus contributing to an understanding of language and…

Relates the central ideas of Wilhelm Vietor to their historical context, since he was the dominant figure of his time, in the history of applied linguistics. Author shows how Vietor's reforms of foreign language teaching found acceptance in subsequent language teaching, particularly in Germany. (SL)

A survey designed to collect, analyze, and present information about the position of Spanish for business in the contemporary modern language curriculum showed that business Spanish is a growing field of particular interest to language and business majors. (EKN)

Discusses the relationship between language and culture and the value of the study of foreign language as culture in a liberal education curriculum. Describes an approach to language teaching which focuses on the contrasts between the native and the foreign language in order to improve students' understanding of cultural differences. (MES)

To revive students' sagging motivation in French class at the end of the term, a four-week project was designed in which the class wrote and produced slide-tape shows and super eight films in French. (SJL)

Overviews different kinds of language immersion programs and issues involved in their successful implementation. The Australian experience with such programs is highlighted, focusing on particular problems posed by resistance to language studies, perceived elitism, teacher shortages, immersion teacher training, student selection, immersion…

A review of stages in the evolution of the language laboratory shows that its function has changed in the past 20 years. Originally it was described as a way of providing a means for abundant practice of audiolingual drills. Currently, it is described as a learning center with multiple resources and functions. It might be characterized as a…

The theme of the Fall 1974 conference of the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers was "Foreign Languages and the Changing Curriculum." The 250 teachers who attended were given a questionnaire aimed at identifying needs and areas of concern to foreign language teachers. They were asked to: (1) identify the most serious…

Investigation of the extent to which the 20 most populous states had secondary school programs featuring foreign language for business covered state policies, curriculum guides, teachers, and courses. Results, which indicated that few states offer foreign language for business at the secondary level, are presented for each state. (CB)

Considers some important arguments in favor of the vigorous promotion of greater literacy in foreign languages, including analysis of how several essential components of GCSE syllabi can be applied to such instruction. (CB)

Suggests that those involved in foreign language education need a greater understanding of technology in order not to fall behind the fast moving pace of the microelectronic revolution. Cites inadequate teacher-training programs and a general passivity towards the "electronic learning age" as two of the major obstacles which need to be overcome.…

Addresses one problem brought about by the confusion around the concept of communicative competence and the communicative approach to second language teaching. Considers the belief that communication, as opposed to language, should be the conceptual center of second language instruction, and then suggests a framework for representing the…

An introductory guide for English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teachers draws attention to three areas of language function: study of language as meaning system, study of individual communicative acts, and study of functions in discourse organization. The latter is useful, since differences in focus of different language researchers have produced…

Proposes an experimental computer-based curriculum in foreign language which focuses on reading and is designed to take the learner from no reading proficiency through intermediate reading proficiency. The material presented would include alphabet and sound/symbol correspondence, morphology and syntax, vocabulary, and exercise material to develop…

Stresses that learning to understand and speak a foreign language is the acquisition of a skill, not of a system of abstract knowledge. Primary objective is understanding through a receptive, semantic approach, which incorporates rising expectancy level, discrepency feedback levels, and confidence in later speech production. Suggests incorporating…