This study has been prompted by a concern that the term intercultural understanding (IU) has appeared in English curriculum policy texts in order to address macro issues with scant pedagogical attention to its effective implementation at the micro level in the modern foreign languages (MFL) classroom. The article investigates pupils' perceptions…

This article presents an approach to literary texts that develops students' language proficiency, content knowledge, and analytical skills through the interweaving of three content areas--literary analysis, stylistics, and culture--at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of the foreign language curriculum. Consistent with…

Discusses the place of culture in the second language curriculum and describes some techniques and materials which have been developed over the past two decades to teach culture, as well as the kinds of materials that are still needed. (EKN)

Primary school languages education continues to be a challenging issue for all states in Australia. In Victoria, LOTE study is provided at the primary level to address the needs of linguistically diverse communities, as well as to provide an enriching learning experience for monolingual speakers of English. The challenge remains to ensure that…

Emphasizes the need for a methodology for treating nonverbal culture in the foreign language curriculum, and describes the ways computer-based technology can present video reference material. Suggests that lack of language competence often results from the inability to interpret the nonverbal system of signs present in the foreign culture. (SL)

Suggests guidelines for the teaching of culture and presents a possible classroom vehicle. It is emphasized that while refinements of civilization should not be ignored, culture as perceived by the man on the street should be of central concern, particularly in early states of language study. (EJS)

This article begins with an overview of the literature that establishes the value of sayings in foreign language teaching. It is argued that authors of textbooks should use sayings because they make up such an important part of a language. The most common sayings that should be found in any textbook are listed. (LET)

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)

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…

Describes strategy for teaching culture and conversation at the third- and fourth-year undergraduate level using authentic documents as the primary materials. The medium chosen for this course was the French chanson, but similar strategies may be applicable to any modern language using the culturally appropriate materials. (eight references) (LET)

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…

Describes a cultural unit centered on German wines. After a series of preparatory lessons showing how the topic touches on geography, history, and social customs, the unit culminated in a wine tasting. (EJS)

Reports on a survey of mother tongue teaching and support for primary age pupils in England and Wales, undertaken as part of the Schools Council Mother Tongue Project. The analysis indicates that the majority of local education authorities now have a multilingual school population, and that bilingual pupils can communicate in a wide range of…

Provisions for multicultural education in Australia include expanded ESL and foreign language offerings, various bilingual and bicultural curriculum projects for ethnic schools, and revamping of social studies programs to educate all students and teachers about Australia's ethnic minorities. While such programs should enhance mutual respect and…