An "organization of repair" operates in conversation, addressed to recurrent problems in speaking, hearing, and understanding. Several features of that organization are introduced to explicate the mechanism producing a skewing in which self-repair predominates over other-repair, and to show the operation of a preference for self-repair.…

Introduces the idea of a smart documentation system (SDS). Argues that an SDS will be more useful for providing interface that allows the user to describe problems using natural language. Describes a computational linguistic system that could provide the basis for such an interface, and the basic design of an SDS that would incorporate such an…

Examines the usage of the "voseo" in Guatemalan Ladino Spanish. It is concluded that "vos" has not replaced "tu" in Guatemalan Ladino Spanish but rather has joined with "tu" and "usted" to form a tri-level second person singular address system. (SED)

The study generated a list of the 1000 most frequently used words by teachers of hearing impaired children in six primary grade classes. Results have implications for real time captioning systems of communication. An alphabetical list and a list ordered by frequency of use are appended. (DB)

At the llth Biannual Conference on French Language the subject of language planning and the future prospects of French language development were discussed. Promoters of French language worldwide concluded that francophone Africa will play a major role in French language development from the year 2000. (TR)

Provides sample classroom exercises to develop middle school and high school youngsters' sensitivity to language skills, spelling, and grammar. Includes riddles, puns, puzzles, and other games drawn from J. Shipley's "Word Play." (JG)

Discusses the heuristic role of yes-no questions in college composition and provides two such methods for brainstorming and focusing. Presents a binary graph device ("Matrix") that correlates subjects and concerns to generate yes-no questions. Also presents a flow-chart model structuring information in the question-evidence-resolution pattern. (JG)

Investigates differences in writing styles between males and females who wrote persuasive request letters, sales letters, and collection letters in an undergraduate business communication class. Results indicate significant differences by letter but not by gender, with no significant interaction between letter and gender. (RAE)

Explores unformalized problems arising from different linguistic representations and non-representations of the categorical distinction between the real and unreal in French and in English. Because the different sensitivities to these oppositions are not acknowledged by manuals and not formalized by dictionary examples of usage, the differences…

Focusing on the alternation of languages in a bilingual classroom, a conceptual framework is discussed that utilizes the teacher's communication competence. Language alternation on the part of the teacher and the student is an active process of negotiation, creating a high level of linguistic and social exchange. (SLD)

Suggests a set of sequenced writing assignments based on language use. Argues that language study involves learning how to observe as much as observing something particular. (MS)

Focuses on the increasing use of the so-called stative verbs found in the progressive aspect from the perspective of the nonnative speaker of English. The use of stative verbs in the progressive is a predictable consequence of the meaning of the present progressive and the particular discourse contexts in which progressive statives are found.…

Discusses theories and findings concerning the status of the present perfect in American Spanish. In Spain, the present perfect is preferred to the preterite whereas the simple preterite is more frequently used in South America. The lessened usage of the past perfect parallels the narrower usage of the present perfect in Latin America. (Author/LMO)

Examines the creative manipulation of certain narrative devices in modern Greek and in Tosk Albanian to show (1) how narrative performances become ways of relating historical events and past experiences in present-day life; and (2) that studies of language death should more intensely use ethnography of the speaking paradigm to detect sensitive…

Presents grammatical and stylistic guidelines for the improvement of writing in student publications. Offers examples of correct and incorrect usage, and suggests replacements for pretentious, wordy, meaningless, imprecise, and jargon-filled prose. (AYC)