Presents a proposal to bring literature into the basic program of instruction and make it a meaningful component of the learning process. A model lesson describes how literary texts can be perceived and studied as performances of a language. (CB)

Argues for the introduction of the syllable in the teaching and learning of Italian and to show that using a structural representation of the syllable can enlighten facts about the distribution of the definite masculine markers "il" and "lo," as well as other Italian morphemes. (Author/VWL)

Argues comprehension is a complex, non-linear process, conditioned by multiple individual and contextual factors. Outlines DeMauro's models of comprehension, presents an integrated model that combines the interlacing and the circular models, uses the integrated model to analyze a series of interviews based on viewing of a magazine advertisement.…

Presents criteria teachers can use when evaluating software designed to teach grammar to students of Italian-as-a-Second-Language. The importance of collaboration between programmers and academic experts is stressed in creating software and the need for teachers to choose software as carefully as they select textbooks. (CFM)

Cites problems in the current method of teaching the subjunctive to English-speaking students of Italian. The ineffectiveness of associating the indicative mode with reality and the subjunctive mode with possibility is discussed. Psychological explanations, not grammatical ones, are presented to explain this use. (CFM)

Addresses the current status of teaching Italian, outlines problems that teachers of Italian must confront, and offers recommendations for improving the Italian pedagogical scenario. (CFM)

Discusses the teaching of conceptual fluency via basic vocabulary development in the Italian as a second language classroom. Lists a series of strategies to assist the teacher and students in teaching and learning vocabulary. (Author/VWL)

A national survey sought data on fall 1990 enrollments in Italian classes in U.S. colleges and universities, including junior and community colleges, to supplement previous surveys. Findings show that Italian is regularly taught in 370 institutions with a total combined enrollment of 44,102 students. Institution-by-institution data are tabulated.…

An investigation of the sociolinguistic features that govern contemporary use of the Italian formal ("Lei") and informal ("tu") forms of address suggests that teachers of Italian must help students become aware of the complex factors underlying the choice of form, rather than just drill them in usage. (12 references) (CB)

Examines intercultural communication between Italians and speakers of Italian in North America. Argues intercultural communicative competence comprises three elements: deep cultural values or "mental software"; non-verbal means of communication; and language. Offers advice to teachers of Italian who want to help their students develop…

Introduces and describes the functions of the Opera del Vocabolario Italiano (OVI) database, a powerful Web-based, full-text, searchable electronic archive that contains early Italian vernacular texts whose composition may be dated prior to 1375. Examples are drawn from scholars in various disciplines who have employed the OVI in support of their…

Looks at devices that stimulate intralinguistic thinking patterns, that is, patterns that can only be induced by the structures and forms of the target language without any dependency upon native-language patterns. Focuses on problem-solving activities that help the learner develop modes of thought that can be solved "Italian." (SED)

Describes class activities for incorporating and teaching about opera into the Italian language instruction classroom, focusing on the enhancement of cultural knowledge and understanding that opera offers. (CB)

Addresses the question of whether teachers of Italian would be more effective if they understood current Italian adolescent talk. Reports a study that was carried out by University of Toronto researchers to determine this talk's characteristics. Forcefully argues that such talk become the Italian second-language teacher's primary focus. (CFM)

Investigates the effectiveness of placing more emphasis on reading in the elementary and intermediate foreign language classroom. Explores approaches to and models of foreign language reading, such as schema theory and content language teaching. Discusses the appropriate point at which to adapt the various strategies. (Author/VWL)