Outlines a model of the speech act of apologizing that ranges apologies along a continuum from the most situational to the most personal. Analyzes 252 occurrences of apologies in 62 telephone interviews. Shows how most apologies are functions of discourse task management tactics. (HB)

Investigates the pragmatic input of parents and the ways it contributes to preschoolers' acquisition of pragmatic competence (the appropriate use of language in social situations). Analyzes audiotapes of five families' interactions over a one-year period. Discusses results of research and offers insight into preschoolers' growth in pragmatic…

Outlines and analyzes the speech that mothers, fathers, and children spontaneously quote at dinnertime. Shows differences in the use of reported speech between mothers, fathers, and children. Describes the correlation between use of reported speech by mothers and children. (HB)