A computer program which generates descriptions of conversational patterns of dyads based on sound-silence data is described. Input consists of talk/no-talk designations; output consists of descriptive matrices, histograms, and individual talk parameters. (Author/JKS)

Encourages professionals in education to cease coining and misusing educational jargon. (DD)

Two explanations for the role of "se" in such constructions as "Se construyen casas" are given by grammarians; one states that it is a passive interpretation ("Houses are built"), the other advocates an impersonal interpretation ("One builds houses"). Different views are presented and analyzed. (Author/NCR)

Describes a technique for getting students acquainted which involves having them coin words based on each other's first names. (DD)

Fundamental functional differences between preverbal and postverbal locatives in Mandarin Chinese are explored. The syntactic behaviors of the verbs are discussed in the context of compatibilities with locatives containing the element "zai." (Author/SW)

Over three quarters of the Dolch basic words may be taught by a word family approach. (MKM)

The article asserts that case-endings in conversational Latin were consciously learned by children in Roman times, and that the endings were so necessary for comprehension that ancient architects constructed theaters with outstanding acoustics. (SW)

Studies the English-speaking and French-speaking populations of the Gaspe, focusing on socioeconomic status, mother tongue retention and bilingualism rates. This is followed by a detailed study of a small, linguistically mixed community in Gaspe East, reconstructing the community as it was in 1925 and describing it as it was in 1970. (Author/RM)

Examines the syntactic and semantic relationship between verb forms I and II in modern standard Arabic. The main function of form II verbs was causative/factitive, with the core elements of the causative including (1) agent-subject, (2) action-process verb, and (3) patient-object. (CB)

Considers children's understanding and use of contrast in language, including discussion of the role contrast plays in adult speech, the kinds of contrast commonly exemplified, and possible tests for sameness or difference of meaning. (CB)

Examines the relationship between children's attribute saliency and metaphor interpretation. Findings indicate that attribute saliency for the individual perceiving the metaphor plays a key role in the interpretation process. (Author/CB)

Nearly all Russian verbs with shifting past tense stress without "-sja" will develop a pattern of stress with "-sja" that has either fixed end stress in all four past tense forms or has shifting stress. (Author/LMO)

Considers the frequently indefinable distinctions between descriptive and prescriptive English grammars, using examples of standard English and dialects to illustrate the uses of each. (Author/CB)