Oral performance of literature can be compared with film viewing, in that both are strongly based on suggestion, which forces the spectator to participate actively in the creation of images. Film is actually a series of still pictures, but persistence of vision produces the idea of motion in the mind. Likewise, literature in performance involves…

This study originates in concern over the apparent fact that many secondary school students learn to dislike literature while studying works of literature in their English classes. The study eventuates in a behavioristic theory of literature; literature is described in terms of the meaning-making activities in which the reader engages rather than…

The speech of elementary school teachers in two contexts (adult-adult conversation and the classroom) was examined for the use of stance-indicating devices, i.e. ways of conveying one's attitudes towards a proposition; independent evidence supports the notion that teachers' perception of social distance between themselves and their listeners…

A good collection of French proverbs and their English equivalents, classified according to subject. It is suggested that proverbs be used to promote the learning of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation, ease of self-expression, and appreciation of French culture. (AMH)

As handicapped children are mainstreamed, regular classroom teachers must become more skilled in identifying and remediating language deficiencies. Available from: Allen Raymond, Inc., P.O. Box 1223, Darien, Connecticut 06820. (GW)

Speech samples were elicited twice (four months apart) from a 4-year-old language delayed child. Clinical analysis involved examination of conversational turns and words, length of unit, speech act variables, amount of speech, and syntax. Although results clearly indicated an unmistakable surge in expressive language, analysis did not explain the…

A rationale for the importance of analyzing spontaneous language use by persons with severe disabilities is offered. Use of a continuum of cues can help evaluate language needs and serve as the basis of a training program. Three recent studies demonstrating procedures for teaching spontaneous language use are reviewed. (Author/DB)

A severely handicapped four-year-old with Down syndrome received training in comprehension and expressive use of Rebus symbols representing new words and generalization of symbol use to the classroom. Significant increases in comprehension and expression scores and generalized symbol use occurred. Development of verbal expressive skills were also…

Examines the positive perspective of the nuances of show-and-tell. Suggests that show-and-tell can be: (1) an activity for closure and evaluation, and for clarification of feelings; (2) a forum for expressive and receptive language development; (3) a window into children's thoughts and feelings; and (4) a source for curriculum ideas. (Author/RWB)

Analysis of spontaneous storytelling samples of deaf 5- to 7-year-olds (N=15), all exposed to manually coded English for some time, differentially showed characteristics more consistent with either English or Sign Language in the language areas of explicit relations, mimed relations, incorporated relations, and English Functors. (CB)

Examines the impact of specific language delay (LD) on peer interaction in preschool children. Interaction between three groups of dyads (normals and normals; normals and LD children; and between LD children) were studied. Normal children were more likely to initiate interaction with non-responsive partners and to dominate the interaction.…

Comparison of production and comprehension methods in teaching six 3-year-old language disordered children the relationship between semantic role and word order indicated the production method (the children produced sentences contrasting word order and meaning) was more effective than the comprehension method (the children responded to contrasting…

Receptive and expressive vocabulary tests were administered to 100 Indian and 106 non-Indian students in grades 1-3. Mean scores for Indian students were significantly lower on both tests. For Indian students only, the difference between the mean scores of the two tests was significant, with expressive scores lower than receptive. (JHZ)

Language delay became increasingly apparent with age, and more so in boys than in girls. There was no significant difference between mental ages derived from standard ability tests and corresponding age equivalent scores of a symbolic play test. A developmental progression of play similar to that seen in non-handicapped groups was found. (RH)

This study provides evidence that interpersonal skills in feeling expression and inquiry are teachable in the university setting. (AM)