Examines, within the framework of contrastive rhetoric, nominal clauses and predicates, arguing that there are essential differences in nominalization between English and Japanese, such as focusing on the event in Japanese and on the individual in English. The article emphasizes the diverse ways in which languages are endowed to express different…

Reports on two studies of the similarities and differences in communicative style between Japanese- and English-speaking parents. Findings reveal that Japanese mothers pay considerable attention to their children's narratives and facilitate frequent turn exchanges, whereas English-speaking mothers allow their children to take long monologic turns…

Translations of three Arabic texts into English illustrate the differences between the aural and visual modes of text development. An analysis of the function of these modes in their social contexts explains the problems of the negative transfer of habits from one language to another. (Author/CB)

Observes that rhythm and synchrony are facets of language learning and use that are often overlooked in English instruction. Describes several ways to explore the rhythmic aspects of speaking, reading, and writing. (MM)

A study measured interrater reliability among 140 United States and Canadian surgery exam raters and the influences of age, years in practice, and experience as an examiner on individual scores. Results indicate three aspects of examinee performance influenced scores: verbal style, dress, and content of answers. No rater characteristic…

Nonnative institutionalized varieties of English (NIVEs) are placed within a wide framework that includes the study of language contact and language acquisition in general. NIVEs and other contact varieties are explored from a sociolinguistic as well as second-language acquisition perspective. (105 references) (Author/LB)

A study of 71 mothers interacting with their 2- to 5-year-old children analyzed structural organization and communicative function of their speech and identified three maternal communicative styles: non-intervening; explaining; and directing. Internal consistency of the three styles appeared to be both satisfactory and related to relevant child…

A study examined advice-giving interactions between Swedish district nurses and patients, comparing these sequences with parallel interactions between British health visitors and first-time mothers in previous research. Analysis focused on how advice-giving is organized in the settings, including how advice is initiated and designed, its…

Presents examples of discourse in classroom interaction that show how social relations in the classroom mirror larger societal relationships in ways that exclude students' cultural and linguistic practices as resources for meaningful literacy learning. Shows how this discourse process (called reciprocal distancing) is used by teachers and students…

Examines how a group of continental Francophone African youth at a French high school in Ottawa, Canada "become Black" as they enter a world that already constructs them as Black. These students learn Black English, which they access in hip-hop culture and linguistic styles. Discusses the impact of becoming Black on…

Focuses on if conditionals in medical discourse. Three genres are examined: research articles, journal editorials, and doctor-patient consultations. Analyzes a variety of formal, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of conditionals across genres. Concludes with brief reflections on pedagogic implications. (Author/VWL)

Explains the linguistic stages through which young adolescents progress as they acquire a second language and describes the differences between academic and social language. Considers implications for middle level educators developing appropriate programs and lessons for linguistic minority students. (JPB)

Uses results of case study of children using collaborative talk in text-based task to argue there is no clear distinction between what is "off" or "on" task talk. Based on Vygotsky's theory of social basis of thought, (it develops from internalism of speech and functions within various relationships), evidence shows children…

Suggests that encouraging students' exploration of and experimentation with different styles of writing can help strengthen their abilities as readers and self-confidence as writers. Provides student examples that illustrate how strong rhetorical models may inspire those who are learning to write English as a Second or Foreign Language.…

Examines the discourse of the social services intake interview, which is part of the process of obtaining financial benefits in the United States. The genre of the interview is described with particular focus on the performance of two native speakers and one nonnative speaker of English. Argues that instruction in how to participate in this genre…