I have great pleasure in writing a foreword to the book entitled A Handbook for English Language Laboratories, jointly authored by Prof E Sureshkumar and Dr P Sreehari. Since I have gone through the manuscript very closely, I can say, without reserve, that it is a significant contribution to the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) in India. This study elaborately covers all such fundamental aspects like Computer Assisted Language Learning, Phonetics of English (with special reference to accent, rhythm and intonation) and communication skills.

I am particularly impressed with their presentation of interview skills, résumé writing, group discussions and debates. It is often not adequately realised that no success in any public career is possible unless one is fully equipped with these skills. Since, advancement in life depends essentially on one's capability to present one's personality as efficiently as possible, it becomes imperative that one should be equipped with these skills for interacting with others effectively.

Here is a book which should serve as an invaluable companion to anyone interested in improving communicative competence through computer assisted language labs.