While research on language learner autonomy and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is abundant, few studies have sought to systematically explore the relationship between the two. By adopting a rigorous approach that identifies transparent inclusion and exclusion criteria, this paper presents a systematic review that seeks to identify: (1)…

This contribution researches various translation dictionaries -- mobile apps with Latvian that are available for free on the Google Play Store and sets out the experience of developing specialised translation dictionaries at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). The results encounter three different dictionary models that are compiled…

A student questionnaire at Augsburg University revealed that students overwhelmingly favored continuing to study foreign languages begun in school, but also beginning Italian, Spanish or Russian. Speaking and auditory understanding were rated higher than reading and writing. Over two-thirds favored English as a common European language. (Text is…

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES CANDIDATES WITH INFORMATION ON THE NATURE AND CONTENT OF THE TESTS, WHERE AND WHEN THEY ARE GIVEN, REGISTRATION PROCEDURES, HOW TO TAKE THE TESTS, AND MEANING AND USES OF TEST SCORES. THE TESTS MEASURE COMPETENCE IN THE AREAS OF LISTENING COMPREHENSION, SPEAKING, READING, WRITING, APPLIED LINGUISTICS, CIVILIZATION AND…

THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION (MLA) FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTS FOR TEACHERS AND ADVANCED STUDENTS ARE THE SUBJECTS OF THIS FINAL PROJECT REPORT. FOLLOWING AN ACCOUNT OF THE EVENTS THAT LED TO THE AWARDING OF A GOVERNMENT CONTRACT TO MLA TO DEVELOP NATIONALLY STANDARDIZED QUALIFICATION TESTS AND A…

The history, linguistic development, and chief characteristics of the French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish languages are presented in short, informative sketches as guidelines for foreign language study. The article also briefly analyzes major literary works and cultural highlights of areas where the languages are spoken. (DS)

This paper shows how satellite television programs can be used to advance Asian students' listening ability in English. Particular focus is on news broadcasts. The paper is divided into three sections, an introduction, some concluding remarks, and the substantive discussion headed "Using News Broadcasts in the EFL (English as a Foreign…

This paper presents some of the materials available for games and simulation activities in the foreign language classroom and organizes the materials in terms of their usefulness for reaching specific instructional objectives. The list of games and simulations represents a wide variety of activities that can be used in the development of various…

THE DIRECTOR OF TESTING OF THE MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION (MLA), WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF 28 SELECTED IMPARTIAL PROFESSIONALS, PRODUCED INDIVIDUALLY AND IN TEAMS THIS CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE MLA FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTS IN ORDER TO POINT OUT EXISTING DEFICIENCIES AND TO SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS IN FUTURE TEST DEVELOPMENT. THIS HANDBOOK…

The purpose of this report on the Concordia College Language Village is to: (1) describe one aspect of the assessment effort, a survey of foreign language teachers whose students had attended the Village; (2) provide demographics for the 899 teachers who responded to the survey; and (3) display and comment on the findings drawn from data…

This report summarizes a study published in 1967 by Harvard University which assessed foreign language proficiency of U.S. college seniors majoring in French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Russian. The measures used were the following: the MLA Foreign Language Proficiency Tests (Form A): Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing; the Modern…

The study of undergraduate language instruction is part of a larger national study of the current status of international studies activities in American colleges and universities. Data are drawn from several annual surveys, analysis of course offerings, a random sampling of transcripts, and general requests for information from college presidents.…

The benefits of learning a foreign language and arguments in support of language requirements in the college curriculum are discussed. The arguments concerning the acquisition of indirect benefits not inherent in the language skill itself through the learning of a foreign language prove inconvincing and only serve to divert one's attention from…

This paper reports on the results of an action research project at Coventry University that consisted of the evaluation of a curriculum innovation supported by the use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) WebCT, i.e. a new module (course): "Academic and Professional Skills for Language Learning". The project was carried out…