This report, based on the findings of the report of the President's Commission on Foreign Languages and International Studies, outlines recommendations, remedies, and proposals of measures to counteract foreign language illiteracy. The discussion is divided into seven sections: (1) some of the commission's recommendations that pertain to high…

A discussion of Chinese instruction in a Bordeaux lycee. Specific questions addressed are: enrollment; reasons for studying Chinese; the study of the written and spoken language; the need for an appropriate textbook; teaching culture; and the need to organize Chinese as a regular course in the curriculum. (AMH)

This paper outlines both negative and affirmative approaches to the issue of whether the public should be aware of a foreign language program. The negative approach would consider the diminishing demand for foreign languages for basic communicative needs in the United States and the conviction on the part of the public that it only needs one…

This is a report on foreign language enrollment in qrades 9-12 in Indiana for the year 1978-1979. The tables qive the following information: (1) a ten year review of foreign language enrollments in Indiana, grades 9-12; (2) the total enrollments for the years 1976-1979 in all foreign languages; (3) the enrollment patterns by levels for the same…

As a group, the uncommonly taught languages have benefited greatly from government funds and activities that support their instruction. Although in absolute terms their enrollments are low, many of these languages have been gaining students in recent years. Instruction in the uncommonly taught languages accounts for more than half of the student…

This study of foreign language enrollments in public secondary schools is the eleventh in a series that has been prepared by the MLA since 1958. The reports demonstrate the impact of the National Defense Education Act of 1958 on foreign language study and provide a quantitative measure of the progress made by foreign language study in the nation's…

Analyzes answers to a questionnaire given to British secondary school children who had opted out of foreign language study. Identifies reasons why the students chose not to continue language study. Concludes that enjoyment of the subject and opportunities for contact with the country of the target language are factors motivating students to…

A study investigated results of the 1982 Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation initiative to expand teaching of Chinese in high schools. The approach taken was to examine the entire range of elements in the Dodge initiative at 55 schools where projects were funded, drawing from questionnaires, site visits, and interviews. Additional, different…

Multilevel foreign language classes are viewed as a challenge that can be met by a careful consideration of wise materials and equipment selection, group dynamics, individualized instruction, and curricular reorganization. (JB)

Ten readings offering specific suggestions and ideas for teachers of advanced (third year and beyond) foreign language classes include: (1) "Increasing Enrollments in Upper-Level Classes" by Barbara Snyder; (2) "Coping with the Choices" by Donna E. Sutton; (3) "Group Work in Advanced Classes" by Reid E. Baker; (4)…

This paper explores enrollment for foreign language programs (FLPs) in French, Spanish, and German using data collected from students in Grades 7 through 12 in the Grand Blanc Community School District (Michigan) for the 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1990-91, and 1992-93 school years. Research questions address: (1) enrollment figures, (2) loss rates…

A survey on articulation was carried out among foreign language teachers in high schools and colleges in Montana. The information is from the academic year 1976-77. The results are divided into two sections: the high school survey and the college and university survey. The high school survey gives information on the estimated percentage of…

Six articles appear in this issue. "Foreign Languages in the United States--A Look into the Future," by Barbara Elling, cites several trends which will increase enrollment in language programs. Evidence is cited on the need for foreign language skills in business, government, and industry. "How to Survive in Spite of Tight Budgets, Increasing…

The papers included in this collection attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of the situation confronting the Russian language-teaching profession and a picture of the status of the teaching of Russian in the U.S. today. The papers are: (1) "Trends in Enrollments in Russian in U.S. Colleges and Public Secondary Schools," by Richard I. Brod…

A number of problems confronting the foreign language teacher in the secondary school classroom are discussed, and strategies (not necessarily solutions) are offered for coping with them. Problems were selected on the basis of the authors' experiences as state supervisors and as a result of letters of inquiry to classroom teachers and local and…