PRINCIPLES AND METHODS OF TEACHING A SECOND LANGUAGE (5 films)

Titles: 1. THE NATURE OF LANGUAGE AND HOW IT IS LEARNED (1962, 32min) — Discusses the nature of language, how it is learned, and the validity of the oral approach to teaching. Presents examples of speech from all over the world, revealing how differently languages function in sound system, grammar, and lexical development; compares speech to writing; stresses the formation of new language habits. LC card Fi A 61-1060. 2. THE SOUNDS OF LANGUAGE (1962, 32min) — Explains that each language has its own sound system of characteristic intonation patterns, rhythms, stresses, and sounds, and points out that a problem in learning a second language is the tendency to carry over sound patterns of one's native speech. Compares the sound features of various languages and explains the concept of phonemic contrasts. Uses a class in Spanish for English speakers to demonstrate the modern approach. LC card Fi A 61-1048. 3. THE ORGANIZATION OF LANGUAGE (1961, 33min) — Demonstrates that pre-school children can use the form and arrangements of words before they can read or write, and explains that these forms and arrangements constitute the organization or grammar of language. Demonstrates in a German class for English speakers how grammatical patterns and their variations are taught by modern methods. LC card Fi A 61-1047. 4. WORDS AND THEIR MEANINGS (1962, 33min) — Explains the deficiencies of word for word translation. Illustrates how the meanings of words change with usage, showing that the experiences of life are viewed and described differently from language to language. Demonstrates in a French class for English speakers how words are taught in meaningful contexts. LC card Fi A 61-1046. 5. MODERN TECHNIQUES IN LANGUAGE TEACHING (1962, 32min) — Explains that the objective of modern language teaching is the formation of new language habits. Discusses the procedures involved in forming these habits. Uses a demonstration lesson to show how the sound system, grammatical organization, and lexicon of the language is taught. LC card Fi A 61-1059.