The complex relationship between language and culture has been widely problematised in applied linguistics and education (see Byram, 1997; Byrnes, 2002; Kramsch, 1993; Risager, 2006). While this issue has been extensively explored from a theoretical perspective, few studies have examined the complexity of this relationship from the…

In 2002, English-medium degree programmes (EMDPs) became a permanent feature of German higher education (HE). While this action marked an important step towards government-supported institutionalisation of English in Germany, no formal strategy or guidelines governing the role of English in HE have been developed. To date, research in this area in…

The effectiveness of various transcription systems for teaching English as a foreign language was surveyed in German-speaking universities and colleges in West Germany, German-speaking Switzerland, and Austria. Transcription systems, textbooks in use, and criteria for choice of systems are discussed. (SW)

Reports findings of a questionnaire administered to high school German teachers that sought their views on the current state of cooperation and collaboration between secondary and postsecondary German programs. Also elicited ideas on how to facilitate communication and collaboration among these programs. Recommendations are provided for post…

Examines responses given on a survey questionnaire of elementary college German students' backgrounds, reasons for studying German, and perceived stereotypes of Germans. Argues that a list of ethnic stereotypes resulting from this study would be a good teaching aid and starting point for class discussion. (EKN)

Used responses to a questionnaire to examine preferred textbooks used by German faculty in first- and second-year German college courses to identify the perceived strengths and weaknesses. Responses also confirm the divide between advocates of current language learning theory and traditionalists in the professions. (Author/VWL)

Reports on a study of end-of-semester course evaluations conducted at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. A questionnaire, consisting of open-ended and closed portions, explored students baseline profiles of good teaching assistants and good second-year German courses; the intent of the students completing the evaluations; external factors;…

Analysis of the responses of 286 students of German to a questionnaire regarding their interest in textbooks' cultural content showed that the 10 textbooks analyzed did not generally offer much information on the highest-ranked 25 (out of 99) topics of interest to the students. (24 references) (CB)

Investigates the context of writing instruction in a second-year, second-semester German course. Focusing on a children's story project, the researchers describe how writing is taught in the course; the relationship of writing assignments to the rest of the course curriculum; and the perceptions of foreign language writing, including its purpose,…

Reports a study that investigated ethnocentrism in foreign language education. The study utilized a quasiexperimental intact group design where nine sections of first-semester German students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: one that stressed German and American cultural similarities, one that stressed German and American…

This article reports the results of a pilot study of the characteristics and motivation for studying of a group of 20 part-time students who enrolled in a new "Diploma in German Studies and Business and Commercial German." Students were given a questionnaire relating to background, motivation, and attitudes regarding difficulties in the…

This article reports on a study of teacher perceptions concerning teaching behaviors and attitudes that contribute to effective foreign language teaching and learning. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire to which 457 postsecondary foreign language teachers of French, German, and Spanish who are members of ACTFL responded. Based on…

Reports on the generally favorable response of college students at Ohio State University to the use of computers in elementary German instruction. (AM)

Reports a study of first-year A-level college students studying a foreign language in southwest England. The results concern students' perceptions of the way they chose their A-level subjects and of those subjects a few weeks into the courses. Results reveal a lack of confidence among the girls despite their superior academic qualifications to the…

Examines whether and to what extent differences exist between learners of French, German, and Spanish with respect to range of motivational or motivation-related factors and whether the factor time has any significant effect in this. Concentrates on general or institution-wide language programs in universities. (Author/VWL)