This paper describes Leondard Bloomfield's contributions to the description and instruction of German. Bloomfield's approach is reflected in this textbook "First German Book" which appeared in 1923 and was revised in 1928. The organization and structure of the text are described here in detail, and the differences between the first and…

The present paper, a general survey of modern foreign language teaching as it is influenced by applied linguistics, discusses some of the outstanding works and foremost theories in the areas of psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, programmed instruction, and contrastive analysis. In discussing the methodology involved in foreign language teaching,…

Following a Foreword and Introduction by the editor, papers in this compilation of studies in the training of teachers for English as a second language are: (1) "Linguistics and the EFL Teacher," by Bruce Fraser; (2) "From Linguistics to Pedagogy: Some Tentative Applications," by William E. Rutherford; (3) "Notes Toward an Applied Rhetoric," by…

Recent research supports the theory that "phonetic knowledges and skills play an important part in spelling ability." Six research studies indicated a high and moderately high correlation between spelling skills and phonetic knowledge. Studies to determine whether or not the special teaching of phonetics would improve students' spelling…

Four grade 6 classes in the Auburn Public Schools, Washington, were involved in a sequence of 30-minute lessons (8 weeks) developed by the experimenter to ascertain the effectiveness of direct systematic vocabulary instruction emphasizing prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Some elements of sentence structure, mnemonic devices, and etymology were…

Although research studies have found young children to be aware of patterns in language, this innate power is not being encouraged in them during their elementary school years. If they are to gain control of structure in their writing and to utilize vocabulary gained through reading experiences, then a carefully planned program for syntax study in…

This paper describes a course in the teaching of English as a second language (TESL) at McGill University to give graduating students insights into the problems classroom teachers encounter when working with children from multi-lingual backgrounds and to orient them to some of the techniques and procedures of teaching English as a second language.…

Von Humboldt wrote in 1836 that "....one cannot really teach language but can only present the conditions under which it will develop spontaneously in the mind in its own way..." The author critically illustrates his reasons for supporting this theory of language learning. Concluding remarks summarize advantages and disadvantages of using…

Discusses certain concepts of the theoretical basis of the communicative approach, particularly the idea of a "double level of meaning" and the confusion regarding skills and strategies. Argues that this approach fails to take into account the knowledge and skills that language students bring with them from their mother tongue. (SED)

Proposes that communicative language teaching must be evaluated in light of second language acquisition theory and research. Argues that without this critical perspective, communicative language teaching runs the risk of being no better than the traditional methods it was intended to replace. (SR)

Contrasts two approaches for investigating second-language teaching, arguing that the educational approach, which starts with a pedagogical issue and examines it through pedagogical, theoretical, and empirical sources, is more comprehensive than the linguistic approach, which primarily consists of the applications of linguistic research.…

Research findings on semantic cohesion within a sentence and its effect on individuals' performance in using the sentences illustrate how research methodology can influence research outcomes. (MSE)

An attempt at summarizing current trends and ideas in first and second language teaching methodology. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Discusses the inadequacy of structural exercises in first language instruction, and affirms the importance of oral communication in first language acquisition. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Examines the accomplishments and merits of structural exercises in relation to other methods of language teaching. (Text is in French.) (AM)