This article argues that consideration by teachers of spoken English shows that learners need to be given choices between written and spoken grammars, that the interpersonal implications of spoken grammars are important, and that methodologically inductive learning may be more appropriate than the presentation-practice-production approaches…

Examination of two sections of Benedetto Varchi's sixteenth-century document on Italian language usage reveals an uncommon appreciation for living usage, recognition of common linguistic practice, and a significantly greater awareness of social differentiation than that typically reflected in other sixteenth-century manuscripts. (31 references)…

Describes the acquisition and use of a Chinese metalanguage with which ambiguous spoken words are graphically contextualized. The metalanguage is composed of strategies that range from the actual writing of the Chinese graph (character) to those where the graph is accommodated in a verbal presentation. (12 references) (JL)

The effects of simplification, type of linguistic item, and second-language experience on learners' intake of linguistic items contained in written input were studied. Results suggest that simplification does not have a facilitating effect on learners' intake. Sample passages are appended. (56 references) (Author/LB)

Using a discourse interview method, the way that professionals read resumes was investigated. Results showed that professional readers shared a special inferential reading of resumes; however they did not share the kind of consistent reading that might result in a formula of how to write resumes. Shortcomings of popular prescriptions for writing…

An analysis of gender differences in the use of compliments in one genre of written discourse is presented based on a set of 47 peer reviews of academic papers written by graduate students in the form of letters. Women are found to make greater use of compliment intensifiers and personal referencing than are men. (49 references) (Author/LB)

Dunlop's account of narrative resolves puzzles about second-order desire and evincing complex emotions, but it works with a too simple view of emotion. This article suggests how a different view of the connection between narrative and emotion can have similar consequences. (five references) (Author/LB)

Ways in which the notion of causation is expressed in written British English are examined in a study that collected 130 different expressive devices. The use of causative conjunctions was found to be the most frequent of eight major ways of marking causation, closely followed by causative adverbs. (21 references) (Author/LB)

A language-in-context model is presented that integrates linguistic analysis of higher levels of organization in writing with analysis of student use of grammatical resources. Procedures for assessing student writing that are based on this model and used for diagnostic purposes are illustrated with texts by seven year olds. (23 references)…

Explores how graphic symbols came to represent underlying linguistic constituents. It is suggested that the relationship between speech and writing may be just the opposite of what is traditionally assumed. Writing systems may provide the concepts and categories for thinking about the structure of speech rather than the reverse. (47 references)…

Procedures useful in teaching translation are presented, including the following: silent reading, focused rereading, identifying vocabulary, dictionary work, oral translation, written translation, rereading the translation. (three references) (LB)

Reconsiders the usual typologies of diagram presentations, questioning accepted taxonomies. Examines diagrammatic structures, revealing some hardened categories. Suggests that new discoveries can be made if questions are raised about how information is framed. (SR)

PPRUE(H), which stands for Present, Prepare, Rehearse, Use, Exhibit, and (H)omework, a student-centered oral skills learning device with an optional writing component, is described. It is designed to be used at intervals throughout the school year in foreign language classrooms with oral skills components. (LB)

Expansion of the progressive (be+ing periphrastic form, where "be" is at the same time the copula and a statement of existence) was a major feature of modernization of the English verb system in the 19th century. A survey (1787-1880) of a collection of private letters, most from famous writers, reveals that linguistic factors played a small role…

Responds to Block's 1996 paper "Not So Fast: Some Thoughts on Theory Culling, Relativism, Accepted Findings, and the Heart and Soul of SLA," which deals in part with blackboxing, the practice of citing references in support of some given position. Maintains that Block raises an important issue but fails to demonstrate important…