Computer-assisted Language Learning (CALL) is different from Computer-aided Instruction (CAI) in that first, it is concerned with language learning; second, it emphasizes language learning from the learner's perspective; third, it is not necessarily computer-based but computer-assisted and therefore is more flexible in its delivery mode. CALL may take either the CD format or web format and these are not the major concerns any more with modern computing and information technologies. More important is the rationale for using the computer to facilitate the learning of language. What are the pros and cons and how effective can CALL be? Here we have to deliberate the ultimate principles of CALL, the methodology and try to find out a comprehensive solution that is pedagogically sound, linguistically reasonable, technologically viable and not less important, socially acceptable and practically feasible, considering the large amount of human resources, time and money that are needed to fund such projects.

To design and implement effective and sustainable CALL courseware, we need to pull linguistics, educational psychology, and computing and information technologies together. Here I propose a CALL design theory called an Integrated Approach (ICALL), which relies heavily on contrastive linguistics and natural language processing and language learnt being put to real use in a wider context. ICALL is in accord with Smith's postmodern pedagogy of the globalization era in a much grander picture and provide proper perspectives to all parties involved. The main gist of ICALL lies in the smooth integration of the top-down approach with the bottom-up approach and is based on the analogy of a web-like contextualized network for attaching different components within a CALL system. The communication theory, the integration of language acquisition and learning, edutainment, dynamic linguistic knowledge bases, interactivity facilitated by contrastive linguistics, and natural language processing are all key concepts that play major roles in the process of designing ICALL systems. It is of utmost importance to understand the human nature in designing user-friendly yet effective CALL courseware packages that make use of the synergy of all parties concerned. (336 words)

Key words: CALL, ICALL, postmodern pedagogy, linguistics, educational psychology, computing technology, contrastive linguistics, natural language processing, top-down approach, web-like network, communication theory, language acquisition, learning, edutainment, dynamic linguistic knowledge bases, interactivity, contrastive linguistics, contextualization.

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