How children acquire language is a riddle for developmental linguists and the subject of debate among them. Some linguists argue that children acquire language through a universal process regardless of their native tongues. Evidence of the innateness of language capacity has also appeared in studies of deaf children. (Author/JN)

This book addresses the problem of the future of Germanics as a field of study at colleges and universities in the United States. It is noted that the study of Germanics has been losing tens of thousands of students for the past 25 years, that this slide downward is no longer attracting enough attention from the Germanics community, and if it…

Discusses four types of computer programs that can manipulate linguistic symbols with great facility. These programs deal with: (1) machine translation; (2) word processing; (3) question answering; and (4) adjuncts to electronic mail known as coordination systems. Also considers the future of computer software dealing with language. (JN)

Papers sponsored by the Language Awareness Working Party, a task force of Great Britain's National Congress on Languages in Education concerned with common concerns of professionals in all areas of native and second language instruction, include: "The Report of the Language Awareness Working Party"; "Language Awareness in Six Easy…

Develops way to look at doing therapy based on Wittgenstein's concept of "language game"; relationship between Wittgenstein's "private language" argument, language games, and constructivism; and poststructural thinking about language, how therapy works within language, and how language works within therapy. Uses case material to illustrate…

Addresses the issues involved in re-engineering the discourse of environmental education--and education more broadly--towards an overriding concern with sustainable development. These approaches assume certain epistemological positions with regard to the language and referent to meaning. Sketches out a possible typology of such positions and…

Develops a theory of metaphor that helps explain how environmental education contributes to the double bind of helping to address environmental problems while at the same time reinforcing the use of the language-thought patterns that underlie the digital phase of the Industrial Revolution that we are now entering on a global scale. (Author/SAH)

Reviews the differences between the English and Mandarin Chinese language, evaluates current research, discusses the possible consequences for processing mathematical text in both languages, and outlines future research possibilities. (Author/MM)

Examines the limitations associated with the language of sustainability and their implications for environmental thinking. Explores what sustainability is not by using the idea of digital watches as a metaphor. Uses contemporary examples from advertising, curriculum development, and wildlife management to illustrate the central theme. (Author/SAH)

Discusses three aspects of Philippine culture that affect teaching and learning: (1) social structure; (2) language; and (3) values. Findings from cognitive growth research with Filipino children and adolescents are examined to identify ways of overcoming some sources of difficulties in these areas. (Author/JN)

Identifies issues that seem important in counseling with Navajo clients. Notes that some issues may also be appropriate to nonreservation Native Americans, especially those whose roots are tied to the reservation. Discusses size and characteristics of the Navajo family, language, and dominant culture conflicts. Implications and applications for…

Reviews several references focusing on words and phrases in the American language which have nautical origins (sailing, whaling, navigation, ship-building and others) and have since lost their nautical connections. Also includes examples from the references such as "slush fund", "posh", and "windfall." (JN)

A basic tenet of this paper is that, from the time of the ancient Greeks, Western thought has distinguished between rational processes unique to humans and the processes governing animal behavior. A model of motivation, emotion, and the cognitive/physiological interaction that can be applied to both animals and humans is presented. The special…

The Fourth International Research Forum in Information Science (IRFIS 4) focused on two themes: user-oriented research in information science and experimental and practical investigations of the mediation and use of information. An opening speech by Bjorn Tell reviewed information research policy in the United States, France, England, Japan, the…