Discusses Louisiana's linguistic history, focusing on periods when the state was predominantly French speaking, when it was officially bilingual, when French was threatened to become extinguished, and ultimately when the state decided to preserve its French-speaking heritage. (VWL)

Describes how one high school English teacher uses puns on a regular basis to augment his vocabulary reviews. Argues that doing so aids in developing students' vocabulary, since it compels students to pay closer attention and gives many students a chance to display their creative-thinking skills. (SR)

Drawing from multiple data sources collected during two ethnographic studies in a Latino immigrant community in Los Angeles, this study analyzes community members' perspectives on bilingualism and language uses--views that have largely been neglected in recent policy debates about bilingual education. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that despite intuitively evident connections, there are difficulties with identifying language as a significant cause of conflict escalation. By looking at links between language, discourse, conflict, and conflict resolution, this article aims to see of a discussion of these four key terms can contribute to a better understanding of…

Four suggestions for helping children break the habit of swearing include: realize that swearing is a problem, and it reflects negatively on an individual's character, maturity, intelligence, and respect for others; explain why some words are not acceptable, whether everyone uses them or not; teach children to cope with their emotions in other…

Drawing on a literature review, considers the implications of a language systems perspective in relation to marriage and family counseling. Claims that the shift toward language systems might prove to be the most important theoretical advance in the behavior sciences since the cognitive revolution. (RJM)

Examines the metaphor of the "wall separating Church and State" for its argumentative functions in the discourse of Supreme Court argumentation. Traces the rise and fall of this influential metaphor over time as it achieves paradigmatic status, becomes regulated by common usage, and achieves contested status. (PA)

Demonstrates that linguistic accuracy is not and can never be a primary goal of writers who create effective renderings. Compares renderings of 19th- and early 20th-century white writers of dialect with those of contemporary writers. Finds that neither can be said to be more accurate than the other. (PA)

Compared pretend play enactment, negotiation, internal state language, and sibling relationship quality in 40 kindergartners with older or younger siblings. Found that frequent pretend play dyads used more high-level negotiation and internal state language than infrequent pretend dyads. Friendly relationship quality was negatively related to…

Analyzes four topics: (1) everyday discourse and judgments about language usage; (2) "social linguistics" and explanations for language differences in terms of categories such as class and gender; (3) the proposition that identity is constructed by language; and (4) the extent to which social categories are discursively constructed. (SK)

Examines the role the Kadazandusun language Foundation has played in changing the language ecology of the Kadazandusun language. Relates to the impact the language situation has had on changing attitudes toward mother-tongue use in the Kadazandusun community. (Author/VWL)

Investigates how language choice for education contributes to changes in the way a society views and uses language in the context of the Peruvian Amazon. Oral surveys were administered to Shipibo people in 13 communities along the Ucayali River of eastern Peru where a transition type bilingual education program was introduced several decades ago.…

Chronicles the current trend in "schoolspeak"--giving "glamorous" euphemisms to ordinary terms for education. Suggests that schoolspeak serves two purposes: (1) it applies new and approved labels to existing practices; and (2) it works to mask harsh realities. States that the essential debate as to the role and future of public…

Suggests that through Kenneth Burke, writing teachers can approach writing as something to be feared, something to approach with trembling and mortification. Examines Burke's notion of how language "goads" writers to eliminate the response of others. Examines contemporary and Burkean approaches to writing that would help students to…

This article examines female voice and its inscription in representative francophone Caribbean letters, writings, and literature, identifying historical and literary trends and analyzing configurations of voice noted in the "crier/ecrire/cahier" anagram. Contains 36 references. (MDM)