This study explores language learners' motivation from the perspective of vision, a concept that has specifically been identified as one of the next challenges for motivation research. Having conceptualized vision as a powerful motivational component of the language learning process, and focusing on the learner's individual perspective, we…

This article describes a research study of a three-semester elementary Italian language curriculum at a large Midwestern research university that incorporates intercultural competence (IC) training through cognitive dissonance image analyses, conversations with native speakers, classroom discussion, and reflections to determine the impact of this…

In cognitivist Second Language Acquisition (SLA), attention and noticing are described as psycholinguistic processes that (may) have a role in language learning. The operationalization of such constructs, however, poses methodological challenges, since neither online nor off-line measures are coextensive with these cognitive processes that occur…

A brief historical review shows the cultural influence of Italy on England, a cultural climate the colonists brought to America. The attitude of J. Adams, J. Madison, T. Jefferson and B. Franklin towards the Italian language are reported. In particular, Franklin's considerable appreciation for the Italian culture is pointed out. (MS)

Foreign language learners purportedly demonstrate intercultural communicative competence in native speaker (NS) chat rooms through self-initiated negotiation sequences, including those triggered by pragmatic issues and cultural content. This study identified and classified one-to-one NS-learner negotiations between intermediate learners and NS of…

Lists the doctoral degrees granted in foreign languages, literature, culture, linguistics, and foreign language education in 1981. The order of entries is major field or area of specialization, institution, author, title of dissertation, and director or supervisor of dissertation. (EKN)

This is a general, descriptive survey of some of the most important and most specialized bibliographic indexes to periodical literature in the Romance languages. The annotated list includes seven categories: General, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Special Subjects and Books and Sets. (CHK)

The lack of adequate pedagogical material for the teaching of Italian in North America is criticized. Presently available grammars and textbooks are listed with brief descriptions. Criteria, guidelines and requirements for satisfactory elementary and intermediate Italian textbooks are presented. (MS)

Tests empirically the model of second-language reading proficiency promoted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Reader developmental levels are not consistent with the ACTFL hierarchy of text types and reading skills. Graphs compare hypothesized and obtainable results. (LMO)

Swain (1985) pointed out the need for increased modified output in the classroom in order to encourage learners to engage in more syntactic processing and, thus, make more form-meaning connections. Research in content-based instruction (CBI) ( Musumeci, 1996; Pica, 2002) has revealed few occasions of pushed modified output from learners.…

This article lists the doctoral degrees in foreign languages granted during the academic year 1977-78 by major field. Within each field institutions are listed alphabetically, and within each institution the candidates' names appear. The title of each thesis is followed by the thesis director's name. (CFM)

Addresses the problem of the scarcity of instructional materials for teaching Italian and contemporary Italian culture to beginning college students. Looks at current practices and materials. Argues the need for preassessing cultural content of structural materials and suggests some criteria for devising supplementary cultural materials, along…

A study investigated aspects of reading comprehension for familiar and unfamiliar topics among native and nonnative English-speaking college students enrolled in French and Italian courses. Results suggest that, as comprehension proficiency improves, qualitative differences appear rather than just quantitative ones. Background knowledge was found…

Provides a listing of doctoral degrees granted in foreign languages, literatures, cultures, linguistics, and foreign language education in 1982. Entries are ordered by (1) major field, (2) institution, (3) dissertation author, (4) dissertation title, and (5) dissertation supervisor. (EKN)