Challenges a number of concepts in classical continental linguistics. Argues that a direct relationship exists between Jacques Derrida's procedures of deconstruction and the methods of linguistic analysis. Claims that deconstruction is the negation or denial of linguistic neutralization. (JD)

Two traditions are distinguishable in modern linguistic theory: the tradition of "universal grammar" which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the tradition of structural or descriptive linguistics which reached its peak 15 or 20 years ago. Universal grammar was concerned with (1) the relation of deep structure to surface forms and to…

Provides discussion and critical analysis of the film "School Daze," directed by Spike Lee. Describes how the film was used to attempt to raise student awareness of linguistic variation. Presents details of classroom exercises designed to achieve this objective. (HB)

Tracing the effects of the "laissez-faire" postcolonial politics of language in the United States, which in fact enabled English to become the dominant language through cultural rather than institutional means, the essay then suggests how the linguistic memory that emerges from decolonization and nation building continues, often in…

Presently, transformational grammar has more harm than good to offer literary criticism. (JH)

Ideas or messages transmitted by language are not the same as grammatically determined meaning. (JH)

Describes a successful linguistics program and suggests that linguistics can make a substantial contribution to the college English department. (DD)

An overconcern with the niceties of usage can undercut English teachers' efforts to eliminate public doublespeak. (JH)

A symposium in the November 2006 issue of "College English" addresses the question, "What should college English be?" In this article, the author presents his answer to this question--it should be a functional approach to English studies. By English studies he means everything that is done in English departments. Most English departments teach…

Criticizes Stanley B. Greenfield's essay, Grammar and Meaning in Poetry" ( PMLA," vol. 82, pp. 377-87), which won the Modern Language Association's Research Activities Award in 1968. (SW)

Discusses the differences between literary analysis and linguistics and between the structures of language and literature. (SW)

Suggests that because feminism is impelled to seek experimental forms of discourse that attempt to propose and practice a radically different mode of communication, feminist works require careful consideration. Discusses two books by Luce Irigaray, SPECULUM OF THE OTHER WOMAN and THIS SEX WHICH IS NOT ONE. (ARH)

People's attitude towards using the Pidgin language from Hawaii is described. The way in which Pidgin is changing is analyzed with the help of Pidgin linguistics students from University Hawaii.