Australian Review of Applied Linguistics. Supplement Series - Volume 3, Issue 1, 1986

Most materials available to users of video in English Language Teaching were designed neither for the ELT classroom nor for video: they originated as TV programmes or as films produced for a native speaker audience. An analysis of the characteristics of video and its possible roles at different stages in a language programme underlies the design of a set of video sequences, Video English, intended specifically for classroom use, within the framework of a methodology which puts the emphasis on communicative competence. Similar principles are exemplified in a discussion of another published series, Television English, which is based on BBC archive material. In conclusion some findings of research into non-verbal communication are considered in relation to the use of video materials in the language classroom.

This paper describes an experimental drama workshop offered to advanced level ESL students attending the University of Melbourne. The aims of the workshop are to increase awareness and control of body, breath and voice as well as to develop self-confidence, flexibility and spontaneity in participants. The principles used to guide the evolution of the teaching/learning process include 1) emphasis on the body as the source of breath, sound and perception; 2) emphasis on process rather than product: and 3) emphasis on linking past experience to present knowledge and situation. The content of the workshop consists of a variety of dramatic activities organized according to these principles. Results as recorded in videos, student diaries and drawings are encouraging.

This paper examines some aspects of Stalling in the spontaneous speech production of two learners of English. The major purpose is to provide some control data for further examination of their (and others’) L2 speech production. Some data from previous published studies of hesitation in native speakers are provided, to serve as a rough guide to the native-speaker norm, if there is one. Both subjects are found to hesitate most frequently and for the longest time before the first word of clauses. This is consistent with the norm found for native speakers. No particularly long or frequent Stalling was found in any environment within the clause, except where there was an accompanying syntactic disruption, that is, Repair.

This project studies the word orders of adjective and noun and adverb and verb in a Chinese learner’s interlanguage and compares the word order features with the corresponding features in Chinese. It shows significant evidence of the subject’s “NA” word order in his interlanguage. Features of the interlanguage which conform with neither the subject’s first language nor with the target language are related to the topic prominence of the inter language.

During 1984, New South Wales Department of Education conducted a survey of ethnic-specific needs of students of non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) in schools for specific purposes (SSPs), which are special education schools.

This paper indicates the results and outcomes of that survey. The percentage of students of NESBs in responding schools was 15.4%. The distribution of languages other than English spoken in homes of NESB students in SSPs is similar to that of the general population. The issues seen to be of greatest importance for schools with NESB pupils were assistance in communicating with non-English parents, and a knowledge of and contact with ethnic welfare/support agencies.

A literature search revealed little in the way of studies on language provision for students of NESB in SSPs in the USA, Canada, Britain or in Australia.

Assessment for placement in special education has always posed a difficulty in regard to students whose dominant language is not English. A move towards the use of Adaptive Behaviour Scales is a possible change in assessment procedures. where the level of language development will constitute just one factor among a number of others.

The commencement of English as a second language programme and a bilingual programme are seen as innovatory in this field of education.

Different types of language programmes for indigenous Australian languages should be developed to suit different language situations. Programmes are here divided into three types: Bilingual Education, Language Maintenance and Language Renewal. The Kija language of Warrmarn community, Western Australia is cited as an example of a situation requiring a Language Maintenance programme. In Language Maintenance programmes thought needs to be given to the intended function of the target language in the future. Consideration of this question tends to favour an approach which emphasizes cultural maintenance and the oral side of the programme.

The absence of suitable materials for use in beginners’ courses in Macedonian for Australian undergraduates has led to the production of an Australia-based audio-visual course. The development of this course has involved decisions that fall within the area of language planning. Macedonians in Australia are not normally very conversant with the Macedonian standard or “literary” language (MSL), which is, in any case, not very highly standardized. It still shows considerable variation in lexicon and syntax.

The MSL was chosen as the basis for the course, despite initial consideration being given to the idea that some form of dialectal language might be taught. The MSL Provides a neutral idiom that can serve people of different dialectal backgrounds. However, forms that are not likely to be accepted or even understood by large sections of the Macedonian communities in Australia are avoided. Colloquial, obsolescent and dialectal lexical items are included if they rate positively by this criterion.