Explores the relative contributions of global vocabulary and specific attribute knowledge to the metaphorical comprehension of fluent and less fluent adult users of English. Results indicate that, for both groups, specific attribute knowledge was a better predictor of metaphorical interpretation than global vocabulary knowledge. (Author/CB)

Communication in mother-infant dyads and mother-infant-sibling triads was examined to determine how variation in the number of people and type of activity affect the ways language is used by all participants. Homebased observations were made of 16 first- and 16 later-born children when they were between 18 and 23 months old. (Author/BN)

University students presented with a description of a stimulus person whose title of address was varied (Ms., Mrs., Miss, or Mr.) conveyed their impressions on semantic differential ratings and life outcome ratings. Found women who preferred the title Ms. appeared more achievement oriented, socially assertive, and dynamic, but less interpersonally…

A study of the acquisition of rules for the placement of the negative particle and some adverbs in Swedish generally supported the results of earlier studies on favorable contexts for the correct application of the placement rules, but also revealed that some errors may result from tendencies to emphasize semantics over syntax. (Author/CB)

Compares native Spanish-speaking (N=9) and native English-speaking kindergarten students' use of language learning acts after individual peer tutoring sessions in English. Findings reveal that students appear to acquire English according to their level of general academic achievement. (Author/CB)

Four activities for language learning are presented, including: class completion of incomplete dialogues excerpted from major literary works; games for learning vocabulary and civilization using words beginning with the same letter; a lesson using cartoons to elicit description and dialogues; and a unit on appropriate and inappropriate…

A study of the changes in the language behavior of an American-Lebanese community in Cleveland, Ohio, considering the community's background, its current status, environmental interactions, and linguistic behavior. Findings indicate a reduced ability to be quick and easy, reduced ability to be expressive, and linguistic insecurity. (CB)

An overview of major components of feminist theory is given and their use in critiquing tort law is illustrated, focusing in particular on a standard-of-care analysis. It is proposed that the same method can be used to examine many other aspects of negligence and tort law. (Author/MSE)

Describes a series of interviews with Japanese speakers of English-as-a-second-language focusing on their uses of English and their life-style characteristics outside Japan. Results support current research indicating that successful language learners apply specific strategies to the task of learning. (Author/DJD)

Historical research has more to do with the present than with the past, as methodological constructs tend to be influenced by the contemporary needs of society. The practice and significance of historical research is determined by the researcher, his or her audience, and the political situation. (BJV)

A theory of the origin of the Chinese copula "shi," originally introduced into the language as a particle of affirmation, is presented. This theory also accounts for the contrastive and assertive use of the word when introduced into the language during the same period. (Author/CB)

Compares metaphors and intimate relationships, arguing that both may be viewed as relational and categorized into four distinct styles. Results indicated validity for assignment of three relationship types concluding that parallels exist between linguistic and social forms. (NKA)

A guide to the use of authentic European French-language broadcast television for language instruction provides tools and criteria for analyzing its functions, characteristics, and messages. (MSE)

Investigation of the degree to which cue validity predicted the actual strength of grammatical cues as they are used by speakers of Hebrew revealed strong positive correlations between estimated cue validities and actual cue strengths for all but the youngest age groups of speakers. (Author/CB)

Considers the evolving pedagogical dilemma surrounding the teaching of "New French" and discusses the various options foreign-language teachers will eventually have to choose among when teaching French. (CB)