Investigated the way in which forty 10- to 20-month-old infants established an initial mapping between objects and their labels. Results indicated that language could increase infants' attention to objects beyond the time that labeling actually occurred. (RJC)

Provides an analysis of the hurtful power of words, the history of marginalized and oppressed peoples finding their voice, and the origins and current social contexts surrounding the words "harlot,""patterns," and a vocabulary that suggests all things "other." (PA)

Discusses research on the focus and functions of language in medical practice and training. Four specific areas are highlighted: (1) speaking to patients; (2) speaking with patients; (3) speaking about patients; and (4) speaking by patients. Example studies are cited in each section, and the contributions and limitations in each topic are noted.…

Challenges the prevailing view of publics as relative entities. Reviews the two primary schools of semiotics, Saussrean and Peircean, arguing for the utility of the latter. Concludes that a public can be best understood as an ongoing process of agreement upon an interpretation, and that the public may develop a more sophisticated, insightful…

Examines the history of the filibuster, particularly the ways in which the discourse surrounding attempts to eliminate the filibuster exemplify certain fundamental contradictions in American political mythology. Concludes that popular democracy and the American form of republican government are as contradictory as they are collaborative. Sees the…

Recalls the historical evolution of computer poetry which evolves from experimentation to cultural entity. Places emphasis on the French evolution through its main expressions. Discusses the differences between the viewpoints of A.L.A.M.O. and L.A.I.R.E. (2 groups of writers). (PA)

Proposes two new models of language planning. The first develops a three-level view of language planning and aims to develop a more strategic approach. The second, the Integrated Planning model, is designed to facilitate a comprehensive and integrative approach to reinforcing targeted languages. (Author/VWL)

Provides an overview of the language situation in Botswana. Describes the language profile of the country, including the number of languages and dialects spoken, the number of speakers of each language, and the various roles each language plays in society. (Author/VWL)

Offers a response to an article on scholarship and linguistic rights. The focus of the response is on strengthening the foundations underpinning a field that is of increasing interest not only to sociolinguistics, but also to lawyers, educationalists, economists, anthropologists, policymakers, and others. (Author/VWL)

Numerous commentators argue that the worldwide use of English in education is an important outcome of colonialism. While accepting that there is much truth in this general conclusion, the present authors also recognize an irony. In too few cases do commentators base their arguments on historical evidence; in too many, they treat colonialism as an…

The preceding set of papers has explored various aspects of the role of language in mathematics education. The papers reflect the work of individual contributors. An important part of our collaboration, however, has been the conversation between us. This paper reflects on aspects of that conversation, as we draw together some of the themes that…

This volume is about the role of different languages in science and scientific communication, with the focus on the status and function of entire languages like English, Chinese, Russian, etc. and not on structural details of these languages--following the distinction between status and corpus in language planning. However, the latter, i.e. corpus…

English is perceived as the language of the powerful elite as well as a tool of oppression and dehumanization. English, as the medium of instruction in South Africa, functions as the barrier to full societal participation of native speakers (Webb, 2003, p.1) and the gatekeeper of humanity. This study combines historical and qualitative methods to…

This paper reports on an initial examination of the use of out-group linguistic forms by speakers in a multilingual speech community in Malaysia. It employs the poststructuralist model of identity, and within codeswitching research, considers the notions of contextualisation cues, accommodation and the practice of crossing as a conceptual…

Despite the multifaceted role language plays in promoting direct and indirect violence, activities that would develop the linguistic knowledge and critical language skills for understanding how discourse shapes individual and group beliefs and prompts social action are conspicuously absent from peace education. This article aims to address this…