Examines the history of numerous mutually contradictory meanings of the term enthymeme in classical and contemporary authors in order to demonstrate that rhetorical terms are not immutable entities with fixed meanings but rather methods by which a culture analyzes its own discursive practices. Argues that rhetorical terms must be seen as…

Critiques the previous article by Torigoe and others (1995) and discusses research on indigenous gestural systems developed by people with deafness and shared with local hearing communities. Poses questions for further research in the field of indigenous gestural communication. (Seven references) (MDM)

Examined how speakers of languages with zero pronouns (Japanese) and without them (English) use zero pronouns when acquiring a second language (L2) that has them (Mandarin Chinese). The findings show that L2 learners do not use zero pronouns as often as native speakers and that their use increases with proficiency. (51 references) (MDM)

Examines self-help medical literature in 19th-century Canada. Shows that while authors repeatedly called for "plain" language in contrast to mysterious terminology employed by medical practitioners, comparison of their style with that of medical textbook authors reveals few real differences. Concludes that the posture adopted by Canadian…

Endangered languages, or languages on the verge of becoming extinct, are discussed in relation to the larger process of loss of cultural and intellectual diversity. This article summarizes essays presented at the 1991 Linguistic Society of America symposium, "Endangered Languages and Their Preservation." (11 references) (LB)

The 1980 and 1990 volumes of "The State of the Language," edited by Michaels and Ricks, are reviewed, including the selection of topics and contributors. (two references) (LB)

The articles in this special journal issue on hypercorrection are reviewed and related to accommodation theory. A heuristic model is presented that places hypercorrection in a theoretical framework designed to explore its antecedents and consequences in a variety of settings. Directions for future research are also suggested. (30 references) (LB)

The growing use of English in Vietnam is reviewed, along with the nation's linguistic history that exemplifies the close relationship between language and politics. The English curriculum in Vietnamese schools is described, and the future role of Outer Circle countries in English language teaching is considered. (19 references) (Author/LB)

Gives a case history of how one writing group devised a way to deal with the problem of author-created noun strings and long, indecipherable unit modifiers, satisfying both internal and external clients. Describes the development of an in-house usage guide. (PRA)

Papers in this journal issue attempt to identify alternative modes in thinking about language and to develop selected aspects of the proposed alternatives. The introduction describes some problems in Ilokano (Austronesian) and Taiwanese to illustrate the nature of the issues addressed in subsequent articles. (21 references) (Author/LB)

Presents the irregular distribution of stative co-occurrence with "zhe," and shows that the meaning of "zhe" is best elucidated under the framework of the Two-Component Theory. Properties that separate stage statives from others are examined, as is the interaction between the imperfective "zhe" and the stative…

Applies chaos theory to J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," to see order and patterns in a supposed chaotic world. Discusses how Tolkien's background as a philologist served as a foundation for the stories he created, and notes how language itself changes events and controls and dominates characters in the trilogy. (SR)

Argues that the terms "active" and "passive" are commonly used (in conjunction with student behavior during reading) in a way that is misleading and unhelpful. (SR)

A study of textbook language dealing in depth with the concept of force is described. Textbooks and other historical materials from the 1840s to the present were examined. This provided a longitudinal framework in which to consider language usage. Student language was also investigated. (43 references) (KR)

Two experiments are described that confirmed previous contentions that there is an imperfect correspondence between subjects' pause reports and actual pauses in oral reading and that auditory cues represent only part of the picture. Semantic and linguistic cues also appear to have substantial effect on the accuracy of pause reports. (13…