Numerous examples of Nigerian English." (SP)

Many people want a dictionary to give them information about acceptable and unacceptable word usage. The designations "correct" and "incorrect" are not adequate guides, for two reasons: what is acceptable usage does not remain the same from one generation to the next, and some uses that are not appropriate in formal English are appropriate in…

German-speaking Switzerland has no single national dialect, artificial or otherwise--only many local dialects. Only standard German is written (and read); the various Schweizerdeutsch dialects are spoken. Even on radio and television the dialects are sometimes used, especially those of the larger speech communities. (Text is in German.) (WGA)

Gives an overview of the language situation on Ponape, with reference to social structure. (AM)

Attempts to classify the differences between Quebec French and Standard French, and contrasts arguments in favor of integrating Quebec French with the Standard with arguments in favor of maintaining lexical separation. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

Examines the extent to which sociocultural features influence the emergence of a standard Nigerian English. (Author/AM)

Current research in linguistic typology shows some syntactic processes, such as rightward dislocation of modifiers, to be characteristic of certain types of languages, and that a language of that type without such processes is "unnatural" and likely to develop them. For instance, almost all languages with order Verb-Object (VO) have dislocation…

This paper argues for a reconsideration of the emphasis traditionally placed on "er"-ization, or word-final retroflexion, in contemporary Mandarin language instruction outside China. Pedagogical considerations regarding choice of language variety and data on use of "er"-ization in China are considered, and the conclusion is against use of…

This article shows that the language situation in Quebec cannot be characterized as a diglossic one (as defined by Ferguson) because of the links existing between Standard Canadian French and "joual." Due to political factors, Quebec is moving toward a mixed standard language. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/CLK)

This article discusses the use of the expression "a nivel de" (level with) in Colombian Spanish. (Text is in Spanish.) (CLK)

An attempt to apply Blom's and Gumperz' model of code-switching to a small Swedish community in northern Sweden, Burtrask. The informants spoke standard Swedish, the Burtrask dialect, and a third variety which was a combination of the two. (CFM)

Discusses an investigation of reported attitudes on language use in Cyprus. Identifies boundaries of social division and provides reasons for the coexistence of multiple linguistic codes. Accounts for the use of national and international codes (Greek-Cypriot dialect, Standard Modern Greek, English), their market value, and their location within…

This discussion of standard language and dialect is based on opinions and theories regarding Slavonic languages. A set of objective criteria is offered. Distinctions between language, standard language, dialect, glottolect and sociolect are made, and social and political conditions which give rise to them are discussed. References are included.…

Expanded version of an address presented at a conference in Regensburg and at the Universities of Erlangen and Marburg. (WB)

Explores the tension between the manner in which intergroup language differences are used to symbolize group membership and the manner in which they mirror and reinforce social class and power distinctions. (EKN)