Outlines the processes behind four master tropes (metaphor, metonymy, synecdoche, and irony) and demonstrates instances where these tropes occur in the expression of scientific concepts. Shows that rhetorical and literary tropes are necessary components to a linguistic understanding of complex scientific concepts; that such tropes are, in fact,…

Shows that children (mean age 4 years and 4 months) not only know the meaning and use of complex reciprocal anaphors like "each other," but that they also have knowledge of subtle differences in the possible interpretations of such anaphors depending on the type of predicates involved. (Author/VWL)

Develops a taxonomy of the connotative meanings of the term "public relations" using 100 articles chosen from the popular press that yielded 254 uses of the term. Lists eight categories; finds that less than 5% were judged to use the term correctly; 37% were negative; and only 17% were positive. (PA)

A professor of conservation biology, and champion of the spoken and written word, discusses who is corrupting the English language and why, describing the culprits and suggesting how to remedy the situation (e.g., restore the habit of talking directly to one another; use proper language; hold those who are corrupting the language accountable; and…

Argues that exploring the written work of William Stillman of Rhode Island could help balance the appraisal of 19th-century American technical communication. Reviews the writing and graphics in his "Miscellaneous Compositions" (1851) and patents from 1836 and 1839. Concludes that Stillman had an unusual ability to mimic the biological…

Argues that Kenneth Burke's rhetorical theory is exemplified in the statements of Justice Louis Brandeis, whose concept of "the living law" explores the contemporary scene as ground for judicial review. Contends that Robert Bork's search for "neutral principles" in Constitutional words ignores the symbolic and dialectical…

Explains that Kenneth Burke's concept of "terministic screen" reveals three rhetorical strategies that those on both sides of the political correctness debate share: unique labeling phraseologies, pugilistic mystification, and a dependence on different pentadic ratios. Concludes with an appraisal of possible future trends. (TB)

Presents a description and explanation for the use of "lie" and "lay" in a sentence. Gives several examples in addition to a 10-sentence quiz. (SG)

Considers the concept of "Language Lapses" and presents 10 examples of common mistakes found in language. (SG)

Offers journalism advisers and students guidelines on the proper use of everyday/every day, anyway/any way, anyone/any one, and sometime/some time. (RS)

Quotes a variety of leaders in higher education who decry the use of highly specialized terminology (jargon) in the higher education field. Includes a list of 30 "catch phrases" and examples of their use. Recognizes that jargon may streamline communication within the discipline but urges educators to be wary of using jargon with non-educators,…

Presents three arguments highlighting discontinuity in Dewey's philosophical views, critiquing one current account of the development of Dewey's thinking based on the assumption of continuity; arguing that Dewey changed his views about the role of action, language, and quality in knowledge construction; and presenting examples showing how closely…

Responds to an article that pointed to discontinuity in Dewey's philosophical views and critiqued a comprehensive current account of the development of Dewey's thinking based on the assumption of continuity. This article argues that the discontinuity thesis is unsustainable. (SM)

In "The Postmodern Explained," a pedagogical sequel to "The Postmodern Condition," Jean Francois Lyotard reports on the domination of thought by the principle of realism. Lyotard speaks of a demand that threatens to totalize experience, to reduce language to Newspeak, to rob thinking of its childhood and pedagogy of its philosophical moment. It is…

This paper explores the changing conditions of the Swedish minority in bilingual Finland. It describes the framework for Finland's bilingualism and the present situation of the Swedish minority in Finland. It concludes with a discussion of the recent debate in Finland about whether the increased use of languages other than L1 is to be seen as a…