A study of Jordanian English-as-a-Second-Language learners examined their metalinguistic knowledge of 15 English grammatical concepts or categories via rule description and exemplification, and also explored the link between metalinguistic knowledge and proficiency in using those categories or their exponents in both formally and…

This issue includes the following articles: "Assimilation to the Unmarked" (Eric Bakovic); "On the Non-Universality of Functional Projections and the Effects on Parametrized Variation: Evidence from Creoles" (Marlyse Baptista); "What Turkish Acquisition Tells Us about Underlying Word Order and Scrambling" (Natalie…

Presented were an explanation of deviant language in terms of the transformational model, a review of literature on deviant language use, and data comparing the use of syntactic and morphological structures by nine normal and nine deviant language users. (GW)

Briefly characterizes the creative aspect of language use and demonstrates how some typical present day teaching techniques are inadequate for teaching it. (FB)

A centenary tribute to Wilhelm Vietor, whose work marked the start of modern methods of language teaching in Europe, describes the educational philosophy behind the reform movement. The movement focused on the value of spoken language and established an alternative to the grammar translation method. (MSE)

Discusses the problem of finding appropriate communication and grammar texts for English-as-a-second-language (ESL) business students. Notes that texts do exist; however, more needs to be done before English characteristics of business can be adequately presented to ESL students. Provides lists of available texts. (PD)

Lists 25 things that teachers should consider when evaluating the linguistic components of the texts they select and use for English grammar and writing instruction. (RL)

Shows that the analysis of verbs in short stories is a valuable teaching method for synthesizing studies of grammar and literature. (RL)

Presents a potpourri of classroom techniques used by 28 teachers to develop skills in paragraph composition, public speaking, classroom discussion, the examination of specific literary works, and other language arts activities. (RL)

Describes a small-group activity, the German "circle games," which turn grammatical exercises into meaningful communicative activities by introducing pantomime, props, and pictures for providing contexts. Students drill specific grammatical features while communicating real information. The multisensory experience and the contextualization of…

Contains four articles concerning: the semantic opposition "Intense-Intesif"; vocabulary enrichment based on authentic documents; descriptions of personal characteristics and group activities; word-games promoting linguistic creativity; and various aspects of the expressions of quantity. (MES)

Offers reviews of six standardized English tests, noting their applicability/usefulness to journalism educators. Concludes that none of the tests meets all needs of journalism programs. (RL)

Discusses approaches to second language learning and teaching within the context of student motivation. A synthesis of linguistic theories to be considered in designing language-teaching systems is presented. Based on experience with Mexican-American adolescents, a system combining transformational, situational, and contrastive approaches is…

Writing demands the simultaneous control of several skills: focus and logic, as well as spelling and grammar. The central writing skill is to look at what has been said and see how it can be improved by drafting and redrafting. (MLW)

Suggests a way of looking at difficulties students have in using words appropriately, and an approach for presenting this information to students. The discussion concentrates on: (1) restrictions on words that can co-occur; and (2) rules for the grammatical marking of various noun phrases that occur with certain verbs and adjectives. (Author/PJM)