Built on the foundation of three highly successful

editions, the Fourth Edition ofDeux mondes offers a

truly communicative approach that supports func-

tional proficiency in all language skills. We believe

that competent speakers must have an appropriate

background knowledge of the communicative and

cultural contexts in which language occurs. Deux

mondes considers cultural competence to be an inte-

gral part of language learning and integrates it as

part of developing communicative competence by

providing natural contexts, and by offering many

perspectives on Francophone culture through read-

ings and authentic materials.

Moreover, Deux rnondes supports the National

Standards, as outlined in Standards for Foreign Lan-

guage Learning: Preparing for the 2Ist Cen~urff (1996; Na-

tional Standards in Foreign Language Education Pro-

ject, a collaboration of the ACTFL, AATG, AATF, and

AATSP). As presented in the Standards, the five "Cs"

of Communication, Cultures, Connections, Compar-

isons, and Communities describe what students

should know and be able to do as a result of their

language study. Deux rnondes provides a solid founda-

tion for their implementation.