This paper focuses on the use of Basque as the language of instruction. In the first part of the article the situation of Basque in the Basque Country is briefly described and the different possibilities regarding the language(s) of instruction are explained: model A with Spanish as the language of instruction and Basque as a subject; model B with…

This book explores the idea of "intercultural competence", which, despite its current popularity across various discourses, has remained a vague and oscillating concept. Interculture lacks a universal definition and "competence" is not only a cognitive construct but also includes psychological traits such as attitudes,…

Cross-curriculum comparisons help open up new perspectives on old issues. The flight from physics by students is one such issue. Here a comparison is made with music education and language education. Where these comparisons provide useful insights they can also warn against knee-jerk panaceas. It is suggested we need to understand how and why…

Describes a course designed to impart an appreciation of the potential aesthetic value of communication found in literature, art, music, etc.; a sense of how communication works; and a critical awareness of how communication can be used and manipulated. (EKN)

The author discusses the status and role of foreign languages in general, and French in particular, in the German educational system. (Text is in German.) (TL)

The purpose of this study was to examine the foreign language curricula in Japanese high schools for the purpose of gaining insight into alternative views of foreign language education. Teachers, administrators, and staff at two high schools in Miyagi Prefecture were interviewed. Teachers were asked about testing, placement procedures, standards,…

Discusses the state of foreign language teaching in the secondary schools over the past 30 years and offers speculations on its future. (EKN)

Considers the question of subject specialization after the age of 16. (DS)

This article reports on findings obtained from an online survey answered by 97 foreign language department chairs. The Web survey was pilot tested for validity and reliability and obtained a Cronbach's reliability coefficient of .80. The results suggest that student learning outcomes assessment in American undergraduate foreign language education…

First the author discusses the question of the most propitious age for beginning the learning of a second language. He then describes the experimental FLES curriculum of the State of Baden-Wurttemberg and analyzes its results to date. (Text is in German.) (TL)

THE AUTHOR BASES HIS APPROACH TO TEACHING LANGUAGES ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT MOST PEOPLE LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE BETTER WHEN IT IS PRESENTED AS ONE ASPECT OF COMMUNICATION, RATHER THAN AS AN ABSTRACT SYSTEM. THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THIS "MODULAR PRINCIPLE," WHICH HE HAS FOLLOWED IN FOUR FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE BEGINNING SWAHILI COURSES,…

Discusses the need to broaden students' perspectives in all areas and suggests teaching literary works written in major European languages by third world writers, in second language classes as one method of doing so. (EKN)