Provides representative examples of the problems that diminish the utility of current metadiscourse theories, and proposes an alternative theory that locates metadiscourse within the larger context of speech act theory. Defines metadiscourse as indicators of expositive illocutionary acts, and provides a taxonomy of metadiscursive functions and…

An interactional model of communication can be based on Erving Goffman's concept of the "interaction order" and the conversation analytic focus on meaning. Three sets of related ideas provide the intellectual foundations for this approach: actions are designed for recipients; talk is multi-functional; and self presentation is semiotic.…

Describes how professional communicators are involved in situations which implicate questions of civic and ethical responsibility. Argues that feminist scholarship is a powerful means of understanding these situations. Discusses such theoretical frameworks and areas needing further research. (HB)

Suggests that focusing on communication in education reveals how communication studies and educational studies might better inform each other. Discusses teacher immediacy research, classroom discourse analyses, and research that synthesizes the best of both of those. Concludes that the richest programs of research may be those drawing upon both…

Noting that language is a powerful symbolic activity in need of attention in the organizational research realm, this paper examines language research in organizational settings across three nonfunctionalist paradigms: the interpretive, the radical humanist, and the radical structuralist. Within each paradigm, the paper discusses theoretical…

The focus of the contributions to this journal issue is communication theory and research. Following an introductory article that deals with the need for quality control in the criticism of communication research, eight articles offer discussions of the following topics: the nature of criticism in rhetorical and communicative studies, some issues…

A study analyzed postings over a week-long period to two electronic discussion lists to position them as communication forms and to assess their potential value to journalism educators, students and researchers. The lists--"Journet" and "Stumedia"-- were examined using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Results indicated that the…

Focuses on communication via electronic networks as a unique form of discourse that exists on a continuum between context-dependent interaction of oral conversation and the abstracted composition of written text. Reviews research in related fields of psychology, composition theory, computer and information sciences. Suggests directions for further…

The current style-specific theories of human communication include the public speaking style, the relationship style, and the message communication style. It now appears that intercultural communication may emerge as the fourth style-specific theory as a result of scholars' concern over the ethnocentric bias found in the study of communication.…