is better than:
Even the latter is better than:
Occasions for use, then, should be both useful and specific. But they should also be stimulating and open-ended.
Excellent examples of such suggestions are to be found in the sections on Using the Materials, in Appendix R, pp.346- 364. Rehg (private correspondence) comments on some of these examples as follows:
An important aspect of Ponapean culture is the title system. Each adult, unless he is something of an outcast, is assigned a title, and is subsequently known by that title in all formal and many informal situations. However, most foreigners do not know these alternate 'names.' A student who has learned the relevant structures and vocabulary can be assigned a task of the following kind:
(a) Elicit the titles of the adult members of the family you are staying with. Record this information, and bring it back to your instructor.
(b)What are the literal meanings of these titles?
(c) within the Ponapean title system, how important are these titles?
Completion of these tasks accomplishes a number of objectives. Part (a) gives the trainee an opportunity to use the language that he has learned in a manner that is useful following an assignment that is specific. Part (b) provides him with the basis for countless hours of interesting discussion on a topic that fascinates most Ponapeans; therefore, the task is open-ended. Part (c) brings the student to grips with the power structure of the community. Foreigners seem to be very curious
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