Presents results of a connectionist simulation that modeled the reanalysis of the Latin gender system in its transition to Old French. The network reanalysis was based solely on formal cues and on frequency. Results are in accordance with the historical data, and certain errors in simulations are also amenable to principled explanations.…

The object of this book is to make clear, by the use of a minimum number of examples, generally taken from French, that science encounters in languages phenomena which are organized according to structure. These phenomena function as tools of communication among men in a society at a given place and time, and as subjects in the evolution that…

Proposes a theory, based on transformational grammar, that categorizes French reflexive pronouns as being either "free" or "bound," and attempts to apply this theory to Latin reflexive pronouns. (AM)

Studies whether Latin or French as a foreign curricular language is a better preparation for learning Spanish. Participants who had learned French at school made markedly fewer grammar errors and slightly fewer vocabulary errors in the Spanish test that participants who had learned Latin. Concludes that knowledge of Latin is probably not an…

The evolving field of Book History has had difficulty in integrating the experiences of immigrant culture. In explaining the origins of print culture in North America, Book History has a tendency to associate lowbrow with immigrants and their struggles to establish a foothold in a new land. Book History therefore symbolically defines immigrant…

The Foreign Language Standards of Learning identify essential content, processes, and skills for each level of language learning in Virginia's secondary schools. Included are specific standards for levels I through IV of French, German, Spanish, and Latin, as well as generic standards adaptable for levels I through IV of other modern languages,…

Eleven West Virginia teachers contributed the games included in this publication. All of the games have been classroom tested for their educational results as well as for their promotion of student interest and are intended for use in a foreign language class. The following games are described in detail: (1) Advanced Verbs, (2) Artists, (3)…

The concept of error, or mistake, is a sensitive and crucial issue in both second language learning and second language instruction. Error can play a constructive role in learning and, under some conditions, in teaching, and avoidance of error may be less productive than confrontation with it. (MSE)

Suggests that classifications of French verbs derived uncritically from Latin are not useful and are confusing because verb classes are defined according to their infinitives. It is suggested that verbs be grouped according to other criteria which are more useful to the learner. (SED)

LITERARY TRANSLATION IN THE CLASSROOM CAN PROVOKE DISCUSSION WITH GREAT PEDAGOGICAL VALUE EVEN THOUGH A DEFINITIVE TRANSLATION IS NOT THE GOAL. A VERSE FROM HORACE AND ONE FROM DU BELLAY ILLUSTRATE THE POSSIBLE CHOICES OF VOCABULARY AND PHRASING WHICH EVEN TWO RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD LINES PRESENT. AN ALERT TEACHER CAN BRING OUT SUBTLETIES OF…