Analyzes the formal properties, structural consequences, similarities, and differences of link indicators, brackets, and cohesion separators in the query languages employed in information retrieval. Eleven figures, a 32-item reference list, and appendices on Extended Backus Notation and the formal definition of the Formal Relevance Language are…

Analysis of constituent order in performance of native signers suggests that the notions of subject and object are less helpful for understanding the grammar than are "topic" and "comment," especially when the latter notions are related to old and new information and the semantic logic of location. (Author/MSE)

The keyword method of vocabulary learning was compared with five methods designed to increase semantic processing of the definitions of vocabulary words. The method enhanced vocabulary/definition (associative) learning, but not definition (response) learning per se. In contrast, the semantic conditions tended to increase nonassociative learning of…

Findings include (1) comprehension of 'this,''that,''here,' and 'there' depends on the role the comprehender plays in the conversation and (2) 'this' and 'here' are more difficult to comprehend that 'that' and 'there.' (EKN)

Calls for a functional, semantically-based grammar for teachers, but not for pupils, to replace the traditional formal grammar they currently rely on. (JL)

Refers to an article by H. Sopher entitled "Discourse Analysis as an Aid to Literary Interpretation." Argues that such interpretations are more clearly supported by a surface structure analysis. Proposes a different approach based on the use of grammatical and syntactic features. (Author/MES)

Discusses various theoretical approaches to the semantic analysis of lexical units, focusing on the componential or axiological approach which defines a unit's semantic "value" as the combination of certain distinctive features. Concludes that this approach, so far, has not offered much practical assistance to translators faced with…

Analyzes excerpts from eighteen of Robert M. Krauss's dialog transcripts in order to characterize the sequential and structural relations between naming and describing. Specifically, investigates how a referential description is shortened into a name through use, and what parts of antecedent descriptive phrases are selected to form the consequent…

Advocates teaching etymology in composition classes and offers suggestions for arousing students' interest in word history and for keeping it relevant to writing classes. (HTH)

The cloze technique can be used to help word-by-word readers acquire more mature reading strategies. This article provides suggestions for creating and using cloze exercises which vary in difficulty and focus. Recommendations are made for introducing and directing cloze training. Sample exercises are given. (Author/PJM)

Examines word families, words grouped together by common meaning, orthography, form, and spelling. Discusses ways to encourage children's language acquisition and understanding of how words work in specific contexts. (HTH)

There is a gap, it is suggested, separating the generally cultured person, not just from the scientist, but from specialists in many fields. Dictionary definitions are seen as one means of seeing the extent to which specialists and those in the general culture speak the same language. (MLW)

Discusses the notions of "word,""term," and "expression," and various semantic relationships with which the technical translator must deal. (AM)

Explores the various meanings of the English nominal suffix "-ist" and their interaction with the concepts represented by the words to which the suffix is appended. Analyzes the meaning of specific words throught their semantic components, in order to discover the most suitable choice for a given context. (MES)

Reports that general semantics instruction provided to eighth- and ninth-grade students who were alienated from school proved successful in decreasing feelings of powerlessness, self-estrangement, and cultural estrangement from school. (GT)