Kachru suggests that it is time to reevaluate the dominant paradigms in second-language acquisition research from a bilingual/multilingual perspective. Sridhar suggests a reality check in the reevaluation of second-language acquisition theories. (45 references) (JL)

Examines Krashen's (1977) theory that postulates a distinction between language acquisition and language learning, reviewing recent studies on morpheme order, code-focused instruction, and grammatical rules that support the theory. Contrary to what has been claimed, the theory is not insulated against attempts to disconfirm it. (87 references)…

Submits expert use of anaphoric "this" to a cloze procedure for comprehensive analysis. Finds that current stylistic guidelines proscribing unattended "this" are overstated; and "attended this" (a demonstrative adjective introducing a noun phrase) is best employed when synonyms for the antecedent and descriptive…

Examines the changes that French negative infinitives have undergone since the 15th century. Argues that, for main verbs, the change in word order reflects a change in the position of "pas," while the change in the position of modals and auxiliaries is due to these verbs assuming a position lower in the structure. (82 references) (MDM)

Examines terminology usage and explores how society could be unwittingly encouraging racism through the use of certain terms when talking about blacks, minorities, and ethnic groups. It also highlights the implication of terminology for the teaching profession. (GLR)

Demonstrates that "already" in Singapore English expresses two aspectual properties, namely the completion or the beginning of an action. The sentence "My son goes to school already" is potentially ambiguous, meaning that my son has already gone to school or that my son now goes to school, having reached the school-going age.…

An examination of Polish compliments and compliment responses collected in natural settings found a distinction between procedural and relational solidarity in compliment behavior. It also found that Poles do not insist on establishing solidarity with each other by relying on formulaic speech patterns in the same degree that Americans do. (58…

This article discusses professional language and communication in real-life settings and provides a critical overview of research on language for specific purposes. Ideas for renewing this field of study are presented. (78 references) (MDM)

Discusses Russian translatology after 1950. Introduces in chronological order some of the most important Russian works and discusses their main points. Deals with Russian approaches to key problems in translation such as equivalence, pragmatic relations, audience orientation, and problems of cultural transfer. (SR)

Describes ways in which freshman composition classes can be made more interesting, such as the use of cliche analysis. Defines cliche, and provides some appropriate examples for classroom use. (PA)

Presents an adaptation of a speech given by broadcaster and writer Robert MacNeil at the 1994 International Reading Association Convention. Discusses attitudes towards language, reading and learning to read, and pleasure. (SR)

Eight general principles are postulated by which immigrants adapt dialectologically to their new surroundings, based mainly on results of a developmental study of six Canadian youngsters in two families who moved to southern England, with supporting evidence from several other studies. (52 references) (Author/LB)

Provides a definition of a conversation and states that all conversations are either spontaneous or specific. Each conversational situation consists of a text, nonverbal communication, and turn taking. Any conversation contains an opening preparation, orientation, topic or object, conclusion, and end. A short bibliography is provided. (25…

A study of concord phenomena in Rio de Janeiro spoken Portuguese found that, in the serial context, the linguistic system is so highly constrained that external, and even internal, influences are blocked. Authors conclude that strong constraints should be identified and further studies undertaken to understand the interplay of the diverse forces…

An overview of current knowledge about Russian Sign Language (RSL) and its use in Russia today notes that linguistic study of RSL is still in the beginning stages, defines issues that need to be studied, and suggests directions for further research. (28 references) (JL)