A protocol analysis of second language (L2) writing of adult speakers of Japanese, English, and Spanish observed how language switching (first language (L1) switching use in L2 writing) was affected by L2 proficiency, task difficulty, and language group. Less proficient L2 learners switched to their L1 more frequently than more advanced learners,…

Sociocultural and historical examination of the kind of English used in Japanese university entrance examinations suggests that such usage mirrors and reinforces general Japanese attitudes about language, language learning, and national interests, resulting in a closed system highly resistant to change. (28 references) (Author/CB)

Lists the recommendations and rationales by eight teachers for books they use in their English classes dealing with politics, government, or public language. (KEH)

Examines the rationale and philosophical underpinnings of Australian public policy concerning language and culture. Argues the following points: (1) language has historically been an important public issue in migrant settlement; (2) hidden social theory assumptions influence language and culture policies; and (3) emerging social needs call for a…

Argues that an understanding of professional and popular science writers' goals provides a basis for both explaining and evaluating their language use. Suggests that charges normally made against both types of writing deflect attention from the obstacles writers face and the ways in which they use language to overcome these obstacles. (KEH)

The current prominence of the issue of access to medical care in the public policy arena is examined, and the use of this issue for studying the financing of uncompensated care for indigent patients is discussed. Different approaches based on this issue are outlined. (MSE)

A study of the effects of child age and intelligence on mothers' use of verbal directives with delayed and non-delayed children aged 2.5-3 years and 4.5-5 years found mothers gave delayed children significantly more directives. Mean directive use was similar for both age groups, but mean length of utterance was longer for older children.…

Onomatopoeia is overlooked in many French grammar courses but plays a key role in everyday speech. Classification according to the feelings communicated stresses their importance. Students enjoy learning the sounds produced by animals in a second language and discovering the abundance of onomatopoeia in songs, commercials, comic books, and slang.…

States that even though California History Social Science Framework (1988) is an improvement because of its inclusion of women's history, Framework is not entirely bias free. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of Framework's coverage of gender issues. Concludes that teachers, texts, and educational leaders must edit and amplify the Framework…

Presents a quiz for use in the advanced English classroom that introduces language learners to a variety of amusing slang expressions and idioms. The learner is led to consider the possibility of a little-known rule in English: male=positive, female=negative, and is offered an opportunity for discussion and vocabulary building. (Author/VWL)

Investigates whether enriching text with analogies, similes, and metaphors has an impact on student cognitive learning and attitudes. Reports no gain on achievement, negative gain on attitude, no gain on proposition recall test, and negative gain on student attention to the text. (YP)

Explains seven functions of oral language used by preschool and primary school children and the importance of expanding them with Native American students. Suggests classroom application, evaluation methods, and ways for teachers to monitor their own use of language with students. Methods applicable to all grade levels. (TES)

Reports on a study that recorded conversations about math in elementary classrooms. Notes a wide range of functions that the students employed in their talk, and that group size and leadership greatly affected the way in which language was used. Observes a process of mirroring that offers an important way by which mathematics "register"…

This paper discusses concepts of language socialization and their importance to assessment and intervention with culturally diverse children with hearing impairments. It notes that culturally appropriate models of intervention are based on the understanding that ways of talking with children are culturally based and reflect underlying beliefs…

A discussion of gender differences in human development and language use is followed by reports of research on styles and strategies in learning a second or foreign language. Instructional implications for second-language classrooms are highlighted. (Contains 100 references.) (Author/LB)