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)

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)

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…

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…

Views Nigeria as a valid, representative "African laboratory" for the development of English as a second language. Nigeria has vigorously embarked on national development and modernization programs centered on English and, therefore, is capable of contributing greatly to a valid theory of English as a second language as a branch of…

"Communicative Competence" is today the avowed primary aim of foreign language teaching. This paper points out that communicative competence in this context differs from communicative competence between two native speakers of the same language. In the two cases the difficulties that appear are not the same. Various possible dialogue elements are…

Supports the addition of translation courses into the average college curriculum as a means of equipping foreign language students with the training, background, and tools they require to stay competitive as society, business, and the economy demand. Stresses the ability to translate a variety of types of work, such as nonfiction, scientific,…

Discusses the relevance of teaching "Survival Spanish" at the community college level for those students whose careers will require an understanding of the language. In addition, many professionals in the human/community service or medical fields are enrolling in such courses, in order to more competently serve the changing needs of…

Examines foreign language teaching methodologies developed in various parts of the United Kingdom, and then looks at implications for Australian classrooms. The establishment of a framework for adult language learning is stressed, based upon the language needs of the learner and the linguistic operations required in order to function effectively…

While supporting the use of interactive video technologies in public education, universities, and government, the need for standardization of the materials is stressed, which would allow for program exchange and a wider use of expertise and creativity. Concerning technology-based language learning, an emphasis on quality, yet affordable…

Discusses an experiment conducted with three classes of nursing students at Catania University Polyclinic (Italy) that attempted to find meaningful contexts for use in English as second language teaching curriculum (for nurses). By practicing dialogs typical of nurse-patient interactions in a hospital context, student nurses learned to interact…

States that the major challenge for language educators and educational policymakers is how to implement a national language policy in Australia. Suggests avoiding past mistakes, such as the adoption of a major educational innovation without the concurrent development of the training of personnel, the development of necessary curricular resources…

In order to avoid the early problems of computer assisted instruction and the language lab, and to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency of student learning, foreign language teachers need to become proficient in the following three areas: (1) computer literacy; (2) software literacy; and (3) application literacy. (SL)