The introduction and spread of "Ms" as the courtesy address title for women is a cornerstone of feminist linguistic planning for English. Its introduction aimed to eradicate the discriminatory inequity in the address system that exposed women through their (non)marital relationship with men. The understanding, use and impact of the courtesy title…

A sociolinguistic study of Ocracoke, an island community in North Carolina's Outer Banks, investigated the social dynamics of language change and variation. Data were gathered in interviews with 43 island residents aged 12-82, most of whose families have been on the island for several generations. Several major sociolinguistic issues were…

This paper examines the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) in different lights and from different angles. Particular attention is focused on the following: (1) language acquisition is an intellectual process; (2) the goal for the second-language learner is mastery; (3) the standard of English in Hong Kong; and (4) "standard"…

This paper argues that, on one hand, there are compelling theoretical reasons to believe that interlanguage (IL) grammars are both systematically and randomly variable, and that the relationship between the two types of variation is a complex one. At any one stage of IL development, some structures may be systematically variable, but at the same…

This paper provides a sociolinguistic description of English language use in Malta at present in terms of who speaks what language, where and when. Some observations on English language contact with Maltese are made. Finally a brief discussion is taken up as to whether and to what extent it would be appropriate to consider Maltese English as a new…

It is argued that institutional requirements of language in use suggest a reassessment of notions of correctness, noting that description generally implies prescription. It is concluded that there are two basic kinds of correctness in English. Specific sections address the following: (1) prescription, relativism, and norms; (2) three levels of…

This paper focuses on the two following questions: (1) What is the status and significance of English in a pluralistic and meritocratic society such as Singapore, in which four co-official languages are recognized (Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English) but only one opens the gates to career advancement and economic achievement; and (2) What are the…

This annotated bibliography cites works concerning the French language, including works by foreign authors in translation, with nine major topics: bibliographies; introductory linguistics, the formation and evolution of French; phonetics and phonology, lexicography, grammar, language variation, stylistics, and translation. (Text is in French.)…

The new framework no longer holds valid the idea that innovations do not occur in phonology except as a by-product of standardization. New analyses are presented for language standardization. That languages are equally systematic but not equal in function is one point made. (SCC)

This article discusses the linguistic and sociolinguistic relationship between French and Haitian Creole, dealing specifically with: 1) linguistic similarities or differences between the two, 2) overlapping between the two languages as seen in social and stylistic variation in Creole, and 3) attitudes of Haitians towards the two languages. (Text…

Several ways in which the speech event may constitute a frame for performing and interpreting a particular speech genre are illustrated in the Samoan "fono," a meeting of chiefs and orators. In this event, both the organization of verbal interaction and the particular kind of language used by participants is distinct from the…

The manner in which English is being nativized in Europe is examined by focusing on German English. The recent historical development of the nativization of English in Germany and the attitudes that foster this practice are described. Among the topics addressed are: (1) the effects of the expansion of English use on the German language itself, (2)…

In Black English (BE), in addition to the motion verb "come," there exists a modal-like "come" which expresses speaker indignation. This "come" is comparable to other modal-like forms, identical to motion verbs, which occur in Black and non-Black varieties of English, and which signal various degrees of disapproval.…

This bibliography is divided into three main sections. The first section lists bibliographies relevant to pidgin and creole studies. The second cites books and articles pertaining both to pidgin and creole studies in general and to the West Indies in particular. The third section gives references for books and articles in areas other than the West…

Examines factors common to the various dialects of the French employed in Africa and demonstrates how these factors (1) determine the uniqueness of these dialects with relation to standard French, and (2) the resemblance of these dialects to African French-based Creoles. (AM)