States that metaphors/analogies can be helpful when people have to learn to use something. Examines computer software manual material language. Finds that expressions suggesting that computers have an affective relationship to the user or communicate their intentions through human language appear to be perceived as anthropomorphistic and might…

Four experiments investigated whether 9-month-olds could use the presence of labels to help them establish a representation of two distinct objects in a complex object individuation task. Found that the presence of two distinct labels facilitated object individuation, but presence of one label for both objects, two distinct tones, two distinct…

A study investigated the extent of anglicization of Solomon Islands Pijin, the primary language for Honiara, the nation's capital. It was found that the influence of English was not related to the creolization of Pijin but rather to the bilingualism of the speakers of Pijin and to their high degree of fluency and contact with English. (Author/CB)

In the first of six articles about the links between cultural and linguistic traits, the ways in which French linguistic structures and imagination create a culture are explored. (MSE)

The issues of language (specifically, the English-only movement) and ethnic-based religion illustrate the ongoing democratic challenge of balancing individual with group needs. With increasing demographic diversity, America will have to find thoughtful and constructive ways to protect and set limits on both language and religious values. (MSE)

This article examines the position of the Tamil language in Singapore. It is one of the four languages in Singapore but shows signs of decline in recent years relative to English, Chinese, and Malay. The reasons for this are explored. (Contains 24 references.) (JL)

Applies chaos theory to J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," to see order and patterns in a supposed chaotic world. Discusses how Tolkien's background as a philologist served as a foundation for the stories he created, and notes how language itself changes events and controls and dominates characters in the trilogy. (SR)

Presents an economic approach to the analysis of the value of certain languages, and assesses the sociolinguistic choices in Asian Pacific countries in light of this approach. It is found that English is the most important language in the Asian Pacific and that its importance is linked to economic factors as predicted by the analytical framework.…

Two factors often neglected in studies of the development of pidgin languages are described in relation to the history of Pidgin Fijian: significant changes in function of the pidgin and in its speakers' characteristics, and contact with other pidgins. These factors are discussed in regard to the development of pidgin languages in general and…

This article examines the position of German in the European Community (EC): What role has German played since the founding of EC? How did the two current working languages, French and English, come about? What are the pros and cons of German as the third working language? Who are the advocates and opponents of the German language and why? (AB)

The essay (1) offers comments on areas of theoretical common cause shared by integrationists and other linguistic theorists, (2) proposes some corrections to recent objections to the anti- surrogationalism of the integrational approach, and (3) remarks on the important of matching or calibrating new developments in technology with changes in…

Explores the kind of hypotheses English-speaking children between 3 and 6 years of age constructed and how these hypotheses compared to those found in children who speak other languages. Considers children's use of the syllabic and alphabetic principles; gives credence to the fact that the appearance of the syllabic hypothesis may be universal.…

Responds to a critique by M. Murphy in this issue (itself a critique of earlier articles). States that Murphy's arguments are at times "misguided and misdirected." Clarifies arguments in the earlier articles. Examines issues of definition and identity, methodologies, and the power that discourse and language have as media for managing…

Reports on Senator Arlen Spector's interview of Anita Hill during hearings on Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas and her allegations of sexual harassment. Examines the social structures and argumentative strategies Spector invoked to place Hill in a position of "powerlessness." Argues that the key resource contributing to the…

Factors responsible for the language policy of the Catholic Church include the need for uniformity and integrity of doctrine and the need for the worshipping community to have access to the meaning of the words of the liturgy. At times, liturgical theology and political needs of the church have promoted the need for uniformity over the need for…