The author discusses the Exeter Book riddles, some of the earliest poems in English, specifically Old English, as perfect examples of how play and poetry intersect. Their playfulness, he claims, is most apparent in the original manuscript, but notes that few modern readers read Old English. The orthography of the manuscript also helps to make the…

The Transition from Greek to medieval philosophy that speculated on religion, nature, metaphysics, human being and society was rather a rough transition in the history of English literature. Although the literature content of this age reflected more religious beliefs, the love and hate relationship of medieval philosophy that was mostly based on…

Both "intercultural education" and "comparative education" have a history of problematising their identity, which is also reflected in the terminology adopted for defining them, mostly focused on the discussion of the exact meaning of the qualifying adjective. This paper argues that more attention needs to be devoted to the second term of the…

Describes a series of poetry workshops that connect poetry to the tangible world of nature, and also teaches students about the biology, ecology, and history of their area. Presents several old and middle English poems used in the workshop and discusses different translations and their relation to nature. (SC)

The difference between frogs and toads can be determined scientifically but is based in the historic use of the terms frog and toad. These are Old English words for the common frog, "Rana temporaria," and the common toad, "Bufo bufo," both inhabitants of the British Isles. In the process of describing a new anuran species,…

Examines the proposal of a simultaneous lengthening and lowering rule for Middle English short high vowels that undergo open syllable lengthening. Argues there are obstacles to reconstructing [I] [u] for Old English. (Author/VWL)

Looks at two languages, one well known and the other less so, that have undergone changes in word order. Data for the two languages in question--English and Irish--are compared. Parallels in the internal mechanisms suggested for the attested word order changes in both Old English and Old Irish are examined critically. (Author/VWL)

The element of play is underutilized in the secondary classroom in spite of the fact that play produces unique opportunities for meaningful learning. The ways in which the elements of epic poetry, Beowulf, and the Old English diction differed from the modern usage is discussed.

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…

Discusses the development of the "Dictionary of Old English," a database of approximately three million running words. Examines how technological advancements have changed the design process since it began in 1970, stating that error checking and protection of the database against accidental intrusion have remained as key issues. (GEA)

After tracing the history of English grammar, the author defends the teaching of traditional grammar. A suitable English grammar must: (1) recognize the influence of Latin upon English; (2) describe the language while acknowledging its ambiguities; and (3) serve as a reliable guide to usage. (PP)

Investigates the Freinet Movement, the reason behind its creation, and the role it played in the French educational system. Maintains that Celestin Freinet, the founder of the movement, could not fathom why the United States and England never adopted any of his principles of international education into their educational systems. (CMK)

Ways that computer assisted instruction (CAI) can be useful in teaching English at upperclass and graduate levels are considered, with illustrations from PLATO lessons that have been composed and programmed. One lesson takes advantage of PLATO's graphic design capabilities, which enabled the teacher to design the runic figures and to show them in…

The Commissioner of Education presents an education-progress review, and discusses compulsory education; national education aid; work of the commissioner's office; education statistical summaries; nurse-training schools; states' education duties; results of five years' compulsory education in Great Britain; industrial day schools; the Boston…