Points out that formalization of cognitive grammar is difficult to achieve within the present formulation of the grammar. Introduces a modification that will allow modeling the process of similarity. Suggests using analogical modeling. Indicates some consequences of the proposition for the practice of communication. (PA)

States that recently a new operational perspective on language has emerged, and as a result, a specific, analogical solution within such an approach is being developed. Describes that position briefly and sketches how such a perspective can lead to a theoretical justification of selected elements of established technical writing practice. (PA)

Builds on arguments in risk communication that the predominant linear risk-communication models are problematic for their failure to consider audience and additional contextual issues. Argues that "risk" is socially constructed. Argues for an approach that involves the public in fundamental ways at the earliest stages of the…

Noting that medical consent forms traditionally have been so full of medical and legal jargon that they have been impossible for even the educated layperson to understand, this paper presents a model for revising medical consent forms to make them more comprehensible. After describing the model, the paper explains each step involved in using it,…

A study provided the initial test of a multidimensional instrument based on the idea that syntactic language choice might predict writing apprehension. The test measured six factors: (1) blank page paralysis, (2) general affect toward writing, (3) positive/negative business affect, (4) alternative modes, (5) attitude toward writing competence, and…

The experimental program in remedial composition described in this interim report was designed on the assumption that students could best learn to write minimally acceptable compositions by imitating paragraph and essay models which have been divided into a series of incremental steps. The objectives of the program were to develop a heuristic…