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)

Schachter's "An Error in Error Analysis," is reviewed in light of subsequent research on avoidance. Hypotheses based on her figures suffer from the lack of methodological detail in her original study. To establish whether avoidance is a feasible explanation for learner underproduction, first language form, distribution, and function of…

Examination of two sections of Benedetto Varchi's sixteenth-century document on Italian language usage reveals an uncommon appreciation for living usage, recognition of common linguistic practice, and a significantly greater awareness of social differentiation than that typically reflected in other sixteenth-century manuscripts. (31 references)…

Secondary resultatives exist in Italian and English, where both languages exhibit freedom with PP resultatives but semantic restrictions with AP resultatives (strongly in Italian and weakly in English). This contrast between freedom and restrictions is mirrored in the fact that AP arguments in postobject position as sisters to V are marked in both…

Burgess' novel, "A Clockwork Orange," is discussed as a perfect example of schema theory in operation. The book's overwhelming linguistic accomplishment is based on Nadsat, a language coined by Burgess and described as bits of rhyming slang, gypsy talk, with Slavic roots and propaganda components. (seven references) (LB)

Notes differences of vocabulary, grammar, and usage in American English and British English which may cause difficulties. Maintains that, as international interchange of information increases, writers and editors must be alert to these differences and search for forms of expression common to both versions of English. (SR)

Explores the links between social identity, language use, and retention in organizational mergers and acquisitions. Finds that (1) change in culture does not happen gradually across the whole organization, but either quickly or not at all; (2) change happens by subgroups; and (3) conflict in mergers and acquisitions was between individuals rather…