After a historical perspective of foreign language teaching in the United States, the article discusses current needs for second-language instruction, explores attempts to teach critical languages in public schools, and suggests approaches for the future. (SM)

Discusses the response of Hope College (Michigan) language departments to shifts in language enrollments, particularly the rise in Spanish enrollments and declines in other languages. Strategies include using the smaller classes as an opportunity to enhance the teaching-learning environment and make those courses more attractive, placement…

A study measured the economic utility of language study for 84 graduate students in international management by comparing their reasons for language study with several major economic indicators, including corporate job opportunities. The study, though limited in scope, yields insights into the real and perceived costs and benefits of language…

The less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) have entered mainstream foreign language teaching only in the last decade. The LCTLs include all languages other than French, German, and Spanish and can be divided into several subgroups, including "truly foreign languages" (TFLs) that are not cognate to English. While TFLs have never been very visible…

The University of San Francisco developed a certificate program in Western European area studies covering French-speaking countries, and subsequently a Latin American area studies program for Spanish-speaking countries, in response to uneven language enrollments and as a means of increasing intermediate-level enrollment. The French program begins…

The role of English in Yugoslavia is discussed, with attention directed to (1) education within the education system, (2) English teachers, (3) inservice teacher training, (4) teaching materials, (5) adult education institutes, and (6) British and American support for the teaching of English. Although English is not used as a medium of instruction…

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)…

A SURVEY OF 45 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL FROM 22 STATES AND ONE FOREIGN COUNTRY ATTENDING THE 1967 NDEA FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTITUTE HELD AT CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE COLLEGE PROVIDED A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE NATIONAL THINKING ON THE PROBLEM OF UNSTABLE ENROLLMENT TRENDS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL RUSSIAN PROGRAMS AND, CONSEQUENTLY, TO SUGGEST WAYS OF…

This study of language instruction in junior colleges presents data for all foreign languages taught at some 490 schools. The principal languages covered in the survey are French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Russian. The body of the report consists of six charts which cover percent of enrollments by language (Fall 1961) and enrollment by…

The eighth in a series of statistical surveys conducted by the Modern Language Association, this 1965 study of 2,100 institutions of higher learning (junior and 4-year colleges as well as universities) presents, for the first time, enrollment data for all foreign languages. To provide background for the 1965 enrollment figures, data from previous…

A case is advanced for nongraded foreign language classes as a possible solution to many current problems in foreign language instruction. Favorable results in several experimental nongraded programs in secondary schools and summer schools are cited. An excerpt from an article on ungraded classes in summer schools lists advantages to summer…

Four California educators consider whether foreign language study will disappear from the curriculum. Suggesting that their topic is one that vitally concerns the nation's interests, the participants summarize their opinions in this report. Margaret A. Collin believes that California's removal of the mandated elementary foreign language…

Research in second language learning supports the hypothesis that success in language learning is related to students' attitudes about the culture represented by the target language. This study tests the hypothesis by examining two Spanish programs at three high schools which have a large Mexican-American student enrollment. Declining enrollment…

Both declining second-language enrollments in colleges and universities and the rapid metamorphosis of higher education are linked to the end of the Cold War. The strong state as the protector of the university's relative independence has ended, and the business sector is the new standard for measuring performance. In this context, German…

Describes and reflects on the experience of the University of Washington's Slavic languages program when faced with termination in 1995, including the initial response of faculty, staff, and students; the successful effort made to garner support from other institutions, alumni, business, and organizations; relations with the legislature;…