Investigated three aspects of children's early language knowledge: (1) comparison of preschoolers response to written stimuli in familiar environmental contexts (on signs and billboards) with responses presented in a traditional reading task format; (2) developmental changes in preschoolers' knowledge of written language; and (3) preschoolers'…

Reviews the evidence for alternative explanations of the underlying system of English orthography and discusses their feasibility as a basis for teaching young beginners. (HOD)

Based on travel to the People's Republic of China, language changes and reform are reported. New meanings of old expressions and new expressions are listed and discussed. Language reform consists of: popularization of Putonghua, simplification of the characters, and romanization of the Chinese Language. (SW)

Stresses that effective writing instruction cannot be taught within the confines of a single college or university course but must be a shared commitment and responsibility on the part of the entire faculty. (MH)

Within the framework of modern language teaching objectives, an inventory is presented of various socio-cultural activities in which written communication plays a key role. Writing is typed according to the situation. The status of written language is assessed from the aspect of multilingualism and of diglossia. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Evaluates the extent to which political self-interest motivates Chinese scholars who oppose the work of the Chinese Communist Party's Committee for Writing Reform. Concludes that those opposed to writing reform are wrongfully using the issue to incite intellectuals to oppose the Communist Party and the Chinese government. (Author/DB)

Presents ideographic selections and class exercises from a Chinese first grade primer. Explanations in English are included. (Author/DB)

Reviews the research that has led to a new formulation of the reading process and emphasizes the remarkable similarities that have been found inprocesses underlying reading and other cognitive capacities. Using the example of developments in woodcut book illustrations, he examines the relations between the process of reading and the history of…

A study of graphic disorders observed afflicted with cortical lesions. The topics discussed are: elements of graphic activity, linguistic theories on the relationship between written and spoken language and the principal theses of aphasiologists on disorders in written language. A bibliography is attached. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Identifies variables from speech act theory and conversation analysis that might be applied to the study of business communication. Also examines several business letters to see how principles derived from linguistic studies of politeness apply to business communication research. (AEW)

Considers impact of print awareness on young children learning to read and developing metalinguistic understandings about written and oral language and literacy. Particularly emphasized are the developmental stages of beginning reading, which are supported by a review of research studies and suggest appropriate program content for initial reading…

The author states that to be effective communicators, vocational educators must consider the context or environment in which the communication takes place, the content of the message, the means of delivery, and the audience. Also, educators must do this with an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. (CT)

The author shares her insights about the principles and knowledge of the writing system that children discover, develop, and learn to control. She categorizes these principles as functional principles, linguistic principles, and relational principles. (CT)

Using the German language as an example, argues that the emergence of written language results from social needs and the individual needs these include, which are in turn conditioned by concrete historical circumstances. (HOD)

Reviews recent research and illustrates findings with samples of writing collected in child care, preschool, and kindergarten classes. Implications for teachers of young children are discussed. (RH)