Two experiments examined the dynamics of lexical activation in spoken-word recognition. In both, the key materials were pairs of onset-matched picturable nouns varying in frequency. Pictures associated with these words, plus two distractor pictures were displayed. A gating task, in which participants identified the picture associated with…

In a significant work, "Metaphor in educational discourse", Cameron has suggested that we study metaphor as "prosaics" (i.e. as a feature of mundane talk). In this paper, by means of some brief examples, we point to instances of such talk in the setting of preschool. We also discuss opportunities for learning that such talk could offer children,…

A metaphor for crossing a frontier into a new territory is explored. The restorative justice principles as used by the United Nations and the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) help to translate into restorative practice principles. An action research project in South Africa provides the background to an evaluation process.…

This study examines the deployment of automated red light camera systems in the state of Texas from 2003 through late 2007. The deployment of new technologies in general, and surveillance infrastructures in particular, can prove controversial and challenging for the formation of public policy. Red light camera surveillance during this period in…

Discusses the derivation and use of several Spanish figures of speech featuring animals--the ox, the cow, the calf and the bull. (Text is in Spanish.) (CHK)

Differentiates between "hipobolicos", i.e., people lacking in a feeling for hyperbole; and "hiperbolicos", people with a feeling for hyperbole. (Text is in Spanish.) (DS)

Through his prose and poetry, John Keats revealed much about his personal outlook and values that might be applied to a description of poets in general. Keats was fascinated by the workings of the human mind with its power to transform, connect, and communicate. He was full of curiosity, eager to relate the fragments of knowledge he acquired to…

Ambiguity can be enjoyed in statements without context, in unclear comparisons, in words often confused, and in casual disorders. In spite of the grammarians' efforts to "disambiguate," it is doubtful that any willful act or combination of acts can eliminate ambiguity, since language is a system of symbols which can stand for one thing or another.…

Research into figurative language requires observers who are trained to identify and record figures of speech with a high degree of reliability. This present manual serves that purpose. Divided into four major parts, each part presents a particular class of figurative language, including a general description of the class of tropes represented in…

An experimental approach designed to help fifth grade students to consciously use figurative language in their writing proved quite successful. (DD)

Ability to recognize and understand figurative language is crucial to successful reading. (Author)

Argues that students can be made more aware of language used in the "real" world by introducing them to figures of speech. (MS)

Analyzes Bob Dylan's music in terms of its similarity with the themes and imagery found in the works of T. S. Eliot, concluding that Dylan should be accepted as an important literary figure. (RB)

A discussion of how a poem tells us through a more or less emotional reaction, something that cannot be said." (Author/RD)