Challenges the notion that a lexical code or argot necessarily defines the parameters of a sub-cultural group, and illustrates the challenge with a discussion of language particular to the homosexual community. (CLK)

Examines various approaches to textual description, and argues that the Prague model provides the most adequate criteria for describing communicative dynamism in, for example, narrative, descriptive, or discussion style. (AM)

Examines the function of language structure constraints in phonological change, particularly with regard to phonetic and morphological patterns. (Author/AM)

Discusses some ramifications of the Conference on College Composition and Communication's resolution on "Students' Right to Their Own Language." (DD)

Anthropological linguists often deal with language systems manifesting nonrandom variability. This article demonstrates that methods developed within the U.S. for the study of language variability are useful in the study of creole languages. This study was conducted on the island of Tobago in the West Indies. (CHK)

The variable usage of Negative Incorporation as a phonological process in French Sign Language (FSL) and as a grammatical process in American Sign Language (ASL) is described. In addition, the historical continuum between FSL and ASL despite heavy restructuring is shown. (HP)

Written in Spanish, the article discusses the transformational grammar of the Spanish used by Chicanos. (NQ)

Discusses several subtle linguistic forces which are leading to specific language changes, and advocates training teachers to recognize these changes. (DD)

Discusses, from both historical and sociolinguistic viewpoints, the changing of the phoneme /a/ in colloquial English. The rather "bright, moderately open" sound, once considered standard English, has been and is moving toward a more open and back articulation. (IFS/WGA)

An analysis of the process of disappearance in which each language is engaged. Information concerning their past, present and future as indicated by the sociocultural profile of the ethnic groups concerned is given. The reasons for the language disappearance and, on the dialectological level, signs of language death are noted. (AMH)

Because of the great number of speakers of Spanish in America, Spanish American vocabulary is greatly increasing. To be accepted as an "Americanism," a word must have originated in Hispanic America and be prevalent over a large geographic area. (Text is in Spanish.) (CHK)

Examines colloquial contractions (spelling variants such as "kinda" and "hafta") against a background of other variations in the English writing system with respect to their morphological identity, characteristic spelling patterns, and significance in print. Divides variants into those that are independent of speech variation…

In response to an earlier article (SLS 51) regarding duality of patterning in the evolution of language, it is suggested that all utterances of a language be coded into elementary units of meaning that could be manipulated into larger units of discourse. This method would attempt to systematize a language's constantly changing phonemic inventory.…

Discusses theories and findings concerning the status of the present perfect in American Spanish. In Spain, the present perfect is preferred to the preterite whereas the simple preterite is more frequently used in South America. The lessened usage of the past perfect parallels the narrower usage of the present perfect in Latin America. (Author/LMO)

Presents personal opinions of high school teachers that reflect the linguistic diversity, literary treasures, and regional uniqueness of North America. (NH)