Types of errors Arabs make with definiteness are classified and the rate of occurrence of errors are counted. Sixteen three-hour college-level American history final examinations written by Arabic speakers were examined. (SW)

Discusses the types of problems that arise when text is presented in electronic form: (1) surface design, which involves typography, layout, graphics and illustrations, and the quality of language; and (2) interface design, which is manifested on the levels of immediate surface of the text, internal structure, and external structure. (SKC)

Argues that an essential factor in becoming literate is young children's developing an understanding of the registers of written language. Examines the reading-like behavior of a prereading kindergartner. (AEW)

Compares genders' style and quality in written communication. Finds no significant differences, and suggests any gender-specific markers might be limited to verbal and nonverbal communications. (MS)

The educational evaluation and remediation of written language disorders in learning disabled students are considered. It is suggested that a written language assessment should involve a thorough educational history and a complete psychoeducational evaluation. Attention is directed to written language assessment and remediation for handwriting,…

Written language performance of 16 11th-grade students differed significantly from their fifth grade performance. Few differences occurred between teachers and eleventh grade students for total amounts of linguistic information used. (CM)

The age of print is seen as nearly over and the age of electronic communication begun. The new technology, it is suggested, will put the simpler aspects of education in the home, and in doing so it may leave the classroom behind. (MLW)

Describes a study that tests whether the sociolinguistic differences observed in essays in German are a carry-over from the native Scottish English. A previous study is described which tested the hypothesis that social class influences linguistic behavior and could be a cause for errors in a foreign language. (AMH)

Analyzes a report by D.D. Steinberg and J. Yamada that investigated which of the different types of scripts used in Japanese writing was the easiest to learn to read. (MKM)

Offers a rebuttal to Tzeng and Singer's criticism of the authors' study of the ease of learning to read the different Japanese scripts. States that the symbols and words were taught in the ordinary situation in which they are learned. (MKM)

Surveys earlier examples of course-based software and compares them with MacZi-known as Chinese Character Tutor in the Intel format, a program designed and produced at the University of New South Wales, Australia to teach students a basic vocabulary. Also reviews a student evaluation of the software's effectiveness and discusses how the program…

Describes the implementation of peer reviews in a Hong Kong tertiary classroom: the background, classroom procedure, types of students' negotiations during peer reviews, comparisons of students' drafts before and after peer reviews and interviews with students. Results support the need to introduce peer reviews in second-language writing classes.…

Presents a procedure for making the process of writing business letters concrete, to foment development and success in second-language writing classrooms. Attention is focused on how to demystify business writing so that international students can enjoy real learning and real successes in English-as-a-Second-Language classrooms. (Auth/JL)

Examines synchronous computer-mediated communication used in a university environment. Compared the level of participation among students and contrasted their written German chatroom discourse with their oral discourse produced in small face-to-face discussion groups. (Author/VWL)

In this article, two teachers of students with hearing impairments present their understanding of semantics and how they use this understanding to informally assess students' signed, oral, and written-language samples. Describes different classroom strategies for encouraging students with hearing impairments to use rich language. (Author/CR)