Discusses the assessment of children's early language comprehension by the use of (1) parent reports; (2) preferential-looking models; and (3) event-related brain potentials. Examines recent findings on dissociations between language comprehension and production in normal, late-talking, and brain-injured children and considers the implications of…

This study reports data on form classes (e.g., nouns, verbs, modifiers) of the early vocabulary of an English-speaking boy with autism, to determine whether his language acquisition was referential or expressive. Results are compared with norms for normal and Down's syndrome populations. The predominance of nominals suggests a referential language…

This article considers ways in which computers can be used to encourage primary grade children to use language purposefully, with emphasis on the need to integrate computer activities into the overall curriculum. Described, with examples, are microworlds, programing activities, word processing, databases, drill and practice activities, adventure…

In a response to an article by Cleary, the literature on C-Testing is reviewed and the influence of Klein-Bradley is noted. It is concluded that, although C-Testing may be a legitimate device of first-language testing, it lacks a theoretical basis for application with second-language learners. (12 references) (Author/LB)

Addresses three major issues related to conscious and unconscious learning: incidental and intentional learning, attention and noticing, and implicit and explicit learning. All three point to the importance of awareness when learning a language. An annotated bibliography is included. (80 references) (LET)

Comparison of 2 methods of presenting novel words, either preceded by a pause or in normal prosody, on initial word comprehension of 20 5-year-old children with language impairments (and 2 control groups matched for either age or mean length of utterance) found no effect for presentation method. (Author/DB)

A story is told of how inner-city youth organizations use dramas that young people write, cast, and direct to enable them to retain their first language or dialect while gaining standard English and preparing for job entry. The story ends with implications for the language classroom. (seven references) (Author/LB)

An analysis is presented of the speech act sequence of indirect complaint/commiseration in conversational interactions between Japanese learners of English as a Second Language and their English-speaking peers. Consequences of nonsubstantive, noncommiserative responses are explored in light of missed opportunities for interaction. (46 references)…

Use of rehearsal on a recall task was compared for deaf and hearing children. A lag of several years was noted in the emergence of recall for deaf children. When data were examined by years of language experience, rather than chronological age, this lag was eliminated. (BC)

Evidence is presented that the analogy between oral and written language development is misleading and that literacy has few of the characteristics of naturally acquired behaviors. It is contended that researchers should concentrate on the differences between oral and written language development. (SLD)

Presents a lesson plan illustrating how creative dramatic techniques can go beyond basic enrichment to provide a meaningful milieu for thinking and language development. Presents content, form, and evaluation of a lesson for a third grade class. (SR)

This longitudinal study videotaped six preschool children with various developmental delays, including language delays, during free play and modeling tasks, and examined whether reported parallels between symbolic play and normal language development were evidenced. Results supported previous reports, although variability across observations was…

Contends that the category "at risk" rests on myths about learning, language, and culture that are based on a deficit view of children who are not from mainstream culture backgrounds. Offers other assumptions about the learning, culture, and the teaching of language on which language arts educators should base their instructional practices. (MG)

Presents vignettes of Chinese elementary education as seen through the eyes of an American teaching in China and a native Chinese teacher. Notes that, although the Chinese and Western educational systems differ in many ways, a shared love of children unites the systems at the deepest level of belief and practice. (MG)

Four elementary-level students with moderate mental retardation were taught to read sight words using a progressive time-delay procedure. All students acquired their target words and at least 50 percent of the incidental and observational words and definitions to which they were exposed. (Author/PB)