Ab initio Language teaching in Scottish universities

This report reviews the provision and operation of a range of ab initio language courses in Scottish universities. Course co-ordinators and lecturers returned 31 questionnaires giving information about 42 language courses. A fuller picture of certain courses and institutions was derived from 13 semi-structured interviews with staff at seven institutions. It was found that current provision demonstrates a number of features highlighted in earlier research in the UK and that it is possible for students who start as beginners to exit as successful Honours graduates in the language. It may be however that the success of these students depends on a curriculum that is not appropriate for all students who take an ab initio course.