Examines a study in which 15 freshmen and 15 seniors at Princeton University used 60 trait adjectives, 20 of which were student slang, to describe people they knew. Confirms that multidimensional scaling (MDS) reflects changes in semantic structure as a function of group membership. (MB)

Criticism of much of the previous research into the syntax of children's language. (RD)

Educational institutions at all levels must respect the dialects of Negro students and initiate programs of instruction in these dialects. Only in this way can discrimination in fact against this minority group in our culture be stopped. (CK)

Describes a program for introducing nonstandard speakers to standard English syntactic patterns that involves three steps: (1) introducing the new pattern, (2) providing practice, and (3) manipulating the new pattern. (JL)

The common assumption that the terms "standard French" and "popular French" are based in objective reality is challenged by looking at the variety of French usage around the world and the need for true communicative competence. (MSE)

Black verbal and rhetorical strategies serve definite needs and functions in the Black American community--needs with which teachers should become familiar. When properly applied, these strategies can be effectively used in the English composition classroom for motivational and instructional purposes. (HOD)

Expounds Firth's views on the problems of translation and surveys theories of translation by some Firthian linguists. Defines the concept of meaning and the concept of varieties within a language, discussing various dialect categories and other categories that relate to constant features of speakers' and writers' use. (MES)

Discusses "Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Children, et al. v Ann Arbor School District Board," a court decision requiring that teachers be instructed in the role and significance of Black English. Argues that the issues of educational achievement and Black English do not constitute a matter for the courts. (GC)

This article surveys the literature on Ebonics that was published from 1865 to 1975. The linguistic features of Ebonics are categorized into phonological, systactical, and lexical groupings. (Author)

Discusses how Black orality, which combines elements of Black speech and music, is supplemented by dance and other nonverbal cues and actualized in the performance of contemporary Black poetry. (JMF)