While anime is well-recognized as a significant motivator of Japanese language learners today, idol fandom, though served as an equally strong source of motivation for some learners, receives far less academic attention. This paper is a preliminary exploration of idol fandom's role in fueling the Japanese language-learning process. Through…

This dissertation sheds light on how learners of German, NSs of German, and Americans unfamiliar with German reach decisions about the nature of speech acts that they witness NSs of German perform in three authentic video clips. It also aims to gain a better understanding of what sources members of the three groups bring to bear when they attempt…

Investigates evidence of sex bias in references to men and women in "prompted but impromptu" discussions among undergraduate students concerning a popular television program. Finds that the form and content of descriptions varied depending on the sex of the referent. Shows that language used was not as overtly or pervasively sexist as had been…