Describes linguistic and semantic features of technocratic discourse using a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. Asserts that the function of technocratic discourse in public policy is to advocate and promulgate a highly contentious political and economic agenda under the guise of scientific objectivity and political impartiality. Provides…

Describes the current nature of the English education(EE)/rhetoric and composition (RC) split (as evidenced in two discussion threads on two different listservs). Notes that many listserv participants fell into the trap of labeling EE faculty as practitioners and RC faculty as theorists. Suggests ways that this gap might be narrowed to allow for…

The vocative use of the Chinese term of address "tongzhi" ("comrade"), is analyzed. It was found that in its unmarked form it is a neutral term, but marked, its use becomes a negotiation to change the social distance between speaker and addressee, possibly explaining how certain such structures evolve and are maintained. (MSE)

Summarizes a descriptive naturalistic study of the literary competence of a class of first and second graders as suggested by their responses during read-alouds of picture books. Finds that the children were sophisticated literary critics, and the storybook read-aloud situation was an important site for the development of their literary…