Describes the results of a study conducted with 28 adult third-year learners of Spanish to investigate the degree to which idiom type affects the speed and ease of idiom comprehension and interpretation, and the effect that context exerts on idiom understanding. Findings are discussed. (VWL)

This article attempts to find a systematic structure behind French verbal idiomatic expressions, specifically the opposition between the verb, article, noun sequence and the sequence verb, noun. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Examines the use of the neuter form in predicate adjectives, drawing examples from Swedish and French, and working within the framework of nexus constructions. (AM)

Discusses acquisition of phrasal verbs by learners of English as a second language, and examines problems of selection, semantics, and usage restrictions of these verbs. Because even advanced learners have difficulties with these verbs, two groups of verb phrases are suggested: one for active use and the other for passive. (SED)

Distinguishes among three aspects of idiomatic meaning: the general meaning, more specific aspects, and connotative aspects. The results of an informal experimental study indicate that the cognitive semantic view can facilitate the learning of idioms for nonnative speakers. (45 references) (Author/CK)

This contrastive analysis of English and Mandarin Chinese is designed to introduce ESL teachers to many of the fundamental differences between Chinese and English. This material is intended to assist the teacher in defining the problems that Chinese speakers are likely to have in learning English. The introduction includes information on the…

The manual concentrates on features of English and Indochinese which are dissimilar and, therefore, potential problem areas. These areas were identified through: (1) a contrastive analysis of English and Indochinese (Lao, Cambodian, Vietnamese) phonology, morphology, and syntax; (2) an analysis of Indochinese students' errors; and (3) noting the…