This paper discusses a facet of linguistics known as socio-dialectology, whose subject matter is variation between idiolects. The relationship between sociolinguistic stratification and dialectal variation is examined. (CHK)

Despite evidence which disproves the idea that some languages and language varieties are defective for logical thought or intellectual expressiveness, there are still language policies and social programs in operation which are based on these and other discredited assumptions. (Author/GC)

Presents theoretical models of how language acts (1) as a dependent variable of how people subjectively construe situations and (2) as an independent variable creatively defining and redefining situations for those involved. Discusses the importance of developing an interdisciplinary model of language variation in its social context. (EKN)

Uses trademarks that are calculated misspellings, bumper sticker slogans, the strained and pretentious language of Howard Cosell, and governmental jargon to illustrate how to attune students to the magic and power of language, while poking fun at language abuse. (RL)

Presents a phonetic analysis of the diphthongs found in the French of Mauricie, Quebec. (AM)

Documents some of the linguistic changes brought about in the Roman Catholic Church in the United States as a result of the ecumenical movement and modernization. Available from the University of Alabama Press, Periodicals Department, P.O. Box 2877, University, Alabama 35486. (AM)

Examines current theories of language change, and proposes the theory that language change can be observed and captured while in progress, and that language change can be considered a manifestation of human change in general. (AM)

Investigates how teachers perceive the speech of school-aged children and whether the socioeconomic status or level of schooling of the students influences these perceptions. Findings suggest that teachers' judgments of what is problematic and their perception of what causes these problems may differ according to the socioeconomic status of their…

Revisits the classic debate on whether there can be an artificial creation that behaves and uses language with intelligence and agency. Argues that many moral and spiritual objections to this notion are not grounded either ethically or empirically. (Author/VWL)

Examines the supposed "Gender Paradox" proposed by Labov (1990, 2001), which suggests women are both sometimes conversative and sometimes innovative in terms of linguistic variation and change. Explores the paradox from two perspectives: its applicability to multilingual as opposed to multidialectal communities and whether it is…

Reviews previous work on phonological variation in American Sign Language (ASL) and examines issues that distinguish spoken languages. Presents an account of the data collection, reduction, and analysis, with an emphasis on issues particular to the analysis. Discusses implications of the results, including possible change in ASL. (Author/VWL)

Explores the relationship between lexicography and variation in both spoken languages and sign languages. Examines the function of dictionaries and discusses the nature of linguistic variation, using an example of lexical variation in American Sign Language. (Author/VWL)

Eight map task dialogs representative of general Australian English were coded for speaker turn and for dialog acts using a version of SWBD-DAMSL, a dialog act annotation scheme. High, low, simple, and complex rising tunes, and any corresponding dialog act codes were then compared. The Australian statement high rise (usually realized as a L…

Offers a glance at the changing set of languages that English is becoming. Considers how to respond to a need to teach in a world where the English of business is polymorphic. Presents seven suggestions to give educators a start. (SG)

A brief exploration of literacy in Thailand is provided, focusing on compensatory education and the major dialects of Thai. An 11-citation annotated bibliography and a 27-citation unannotated bibliography are included. (CB)