English: The dual purpose of this book is to set forth guidelines for appreciating the kinds of instructional materials available for the uncommonly taught languages and to suggest an approach to writing new materials which will be as adaptable as possible. Of principal concern are considerations relating to: (1) the nature of language teaching, (2) the modular approach to materials development, (3) evaluating and adapting language materials, (4) writing adaptable materials, (5) learners' synopses, (6) Cummings devices, (7) microtexts, and (8) routine manipulations. Numerous appendixes include discussions of adaptation of: a dialog drill format in Spanish, "microwave" format in Telegu, an English pattern-practice format, self-instructional format in Spanish, prose texts in Mauritian Creole, and a lesson for discussion by readers of Igbo. Other sections contain appendixes relevant to the central topic. References and an index are included.