Includes bibliographical references (p. [197]-207) and index.

Preface

PART ONE: The theory and practice of language teaching
1. Introduction
2. Problems with solutions
3. The pragmatics of language teaching
4. Pedagogic research and teacher education

PART TWO: Aspects of language
5. Preliminaries: approaches to description
6. Grammar, and nonsense, and learning
7. The negotiation of meaning

PART THREE: Aspects of teaching
8. General perspectives on pedagogy
9. The problems and principles of syllabus design
10. Methodology for the teaching of meaning
11. The roles of teacher and learner

Conclusion

"In this book Professor Widdowson provides a timely critical review of the most prominent issues in language teaching today. Part 1 presents the case for the relevance of theoretical inquiry to classroom practice. Parts 2 and 3 serve to demonstrate this relevance by showing how different perspectives on linguistic description lead to different approaches to the teaching of language. At a time of wide-ranging debate about language teaching, particularly in the broader contexts of educational principle and policy, the force and authority of Professor Widdowson's arguments will be welcomed by all those concerned to uphold professional standards in language teaching and teacher education." (Book Cover)