Examines various approaches to textual description, and argues that the Prague model provides the most adequate criteria for describing communicative dynamism in, for example, narrative, descriptive, or discussion style. (AM)

Cites over 75 examples of errors in usage which were made by newswriters for the "Washington Post," suggesting that they indicate the social dimensions of language decay. (DD)

Examines the relationship between the linguistic component and the graphic component of university texts and articles. (AM)

German-speaking Switzerland has no single national dialect, artificial or otherwise--only many local dialects. Only standard German is written (and read); the various Schweizerdeutsch dialects are spoken. Even on radio and television the dialects are sometimes used, especially those of the larger speech communities. (Text is in German.) (WGA)

Examines colloquial contractions (spelling variants such as "kinda" and "hafta") against a background of other variations in the English writing system with respect to their morphological identity, characteristic spelling patterns, and significance in print. Divides variants into those that are independent of speech variation…

This article examines the abilities children exercise in a variety of record-making activities, including mapping, quantification, and music notation. The ways teachers and educational climates promote different versions of literacy are discussed. Children's conceptions of literacy are examined. (JL)

Demonstrates that many three- and four-year olds' attempts to read familiar print are highly organized, and indicate attention to graphic detail in some contexts. Also concludes that letter name knowledge alone does not explain children's shift from using meaning-oriented strategies to using both meaning and print-oriented strategies. (JAD)

The article describes ways in which the oral language specialist can help language-delayed children develop reading comprehension skills. Examples include using discussion techniques to bring meaning to personalized written communications; using barrier games to enhance comprehension of messages; and providing oral experiences to help children…

A research study was conducted to determine the relative frequency of occurrence of English punctuation rules, features of typewritten format, selected elements of English style in written business communications, and frequency of error for each element. Tabulations were made on the frequency of errors and correct occurrences for each analyzed…

Describes a study of the administrative and instructional practices of large corporations providing written communication programs for middle management employees. (MS)

The nature of meaning as it is developed through interaction between individuals is explored in a discussion of how writers lead readers to understand a text. (DF)

A comparison of oral and written language in six deaf infants from ages one and two for periods of four and five years indicated that written language acquisition is not dependent on oral language; that written language teaching can be initiated at about one year, and that written language is easy to learn. (Author/CL)

The article presents a critical review of procedures for analyzing coherence in written language samples. The psychological model of referential coherence, linguistic analysis of cohesion, and given/new contract are discussed in terms of research results, psychometric concerns, and writing research. Recommendations concerning their relative…

Soldiers in each of the 3 countries answered questions relating to content and vocabulary of material in languages of the other 2 countries. Nonlinguistic factors (education, travel, etc.) were taken into account. Investigation indicated that the languages are so similar that comprehension could be improved with little difficulty. (RW)

One of four International Reading Association award-winning dissertations from 1975. (RB)