The quantitative methodology of GOLDVARB is used to examine the variable distribution of lexical noun phrases representing core arguments of the verb in a corpus of spoken French and Spanish. The distribution is shown to conform to a grammatically and pragmatically motivated pattern known as Preferred Argument Structure. (Contains 26 references.)…

A survey of 358 university students enrolled in first- and second-semester French and Spanish classes indicates that students are overwhelmingly positive about the importance of knowing a foreign language. This article presents the results of this survey, along with its pedagogical implications. (Author/VWL)

Attempts to describe the interpersonal variation in interlanguage tense and aspect systems of four French/Moroccan Arabic learners of second language (L2) Spanish in a natural setting. In addition to noting differences in the way these four learners use L2 verbal morphology to construct their narratives, results also support previous research on…

Represents the second phase of a two-phase study examining the effect of heightening learners' general awareness of language learning strategies on student achievement. Findings and implications shed light on the complex but potentially valuable links between learner training and language performance. (Author/VWL)

Examines classroom assessment techniques and how technology can be used to enhance their effectiveness. Examples from upper-division courses in German, French, and Spanish are given. (Author/VWL)

This study investigated the use of nonnative function words in the written production of learners of Italian as a third or fourth language with English, Spanish, or French as native or nonnative languages. Results show the frequent use of the French subject pronoun il (he) in learners' texts. The rate of subject insertion and omission was thus…

This longitudinal study focuses on how pedagogical content knowledge is initially represented and changes during the beginning teaching experiences of 9 teachers of French, German, and Spanish. The data consist of reflective journal entries, classroom observations, and focus group interviews collected during the first 2 years of foreign language…

A fundamental question in developmental science is how brains with and without language compute numbers. Measuring young children's verbal reactions in Spain and Finland, we show that, although there is a general arithmetic ability for small numbers that is shared by monkeys and preverbal infants, the development of such initial knowledge in…

This paper summarizes the assessment results of the Language Online project at Carnegie Mellon University. The study investigated the effectiveness of online language courses for students' learning outcomes in four hybrid online language courses (elementary and intermediate levels) and their counterpart conventional (offline) courses from Spring…

This is a set of generic proficiency goals in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and culture developed for all languages and for French, German, and Spanish specifically. Both the common and specific goals are being field tested to determine their utility for college and university language instructors. In addition, a questionnaire has been…

Describes pilot classes in culture-oriented French and Spanish instruction conducted over a two-year period. (KM)

Gives the results of the language examinations given in the spring of 1974 in the people's colleges. Examination fields were: German as a foreign language, Russian, Spanish, English, English (Hotel work), Italian, French. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

An investigation was conducted by students in a linguistics seminar which had two parts, a matched-guise questionnaire and a semantic differential questionnaire. The content and results of the latter are presented here. The objective of this part of the study was to determine what attitudes French-speaking Swiss students had toward languages they…

This annotated bibliography, now in its second edition, describes a model resource collection of over 350 book and audiovisual titles for a multicultural setting. While its emphasis is on Spanish language and cultural groups, a number of dual-language items have been included for speakers of Chinese, French, Greek, and Vietnamese. In addition to…

The undergraduate translation curriculum at Kearney State College, Nebraska, is described. The program treats translation as an academic discipline as well as a vocational skill. Students are taught the theory and practice of translation and interpretation in their choice of German, French, or Spanish. Two semesters are spent on translation…