Discusses main ideas of papers presented that reflect the new directions explored in the field of Chinese linguistics. Current areas of study include tonal distinctions in dialect studies, contrastive analysis of Taiwanese and standard Chinese verb phrase structures, and the application of old Chinese morphological grammar to characteristics of…

The theoretical and pedagogical issues emanating from the practice of teaching Spanish to Hispanic bilingual college students are discussed. Distinctions are made between standard Spanish and the two most important United States varieties of Chicano and Puerto Rican Spanish, and structural differences are examined. Teaching suggestions are…

Tonal "flip-flop" (reversal of pitch value in which a direct exchange of value between two items is necessarily involved) can be found in a significant number of modern Chinese dialects, where an opposite pitch pattern is observed for the traditional Yin/Yang dichotomy of tones. (Author/CB)

Considers the evolving pedagogical dilemma surrounding the teaching of "New French" and discusses the various options foreign-language teachers will eventually have to choose among when teaching French. (CB)

Discusses some assumptions regarding computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in generative-based African languages, with references to Bantu languages and the OluTsooto dialect of Luyai, a language of Kenya. Elements of a computer program that produces superficial forms from underlying forms of that language are described. (Author/CB)

A paradigm gap has prevented research on second language acquisition theory and indigenized varieties of English from making substantive contributions to each other. The varieties of English represent several significant sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic variables, the investigation of which will put second language acquisition theory on firmer…

Presents a historical summary of the sociolinguistic context of Malaysian English and analyzes data demonstrating that transfer from Malay to standard Malaysian English does not result from interference leading to fossilization, but rather as English is acculturated in a sociolinguistic context unique to Malaysia. (Author/CB)

Examines ways authority comes to inhabit language. Schools are directly involved in production and distribution of authoritative discourse. In the French-speaking West Indies students are taught in the official language of authority (the French of France) rather than that of their everyday life (Creole). (Author/LHW)

Describes a study in which participants from five areas in the U.S. converted hand-drawn maps into generalized maps of their perceptions of dialect areas. The maps are compared with one another, with traditional maps of U.S. dialect areas, and with maps of cultural and regional zones of the U.S. (Author/SED)

Identifies the body of information essential to any course on Black English and gives appropriate variations for departments of ethnic studies, linguistics, or education. Organized in the format of an annotated syllabus, with suggestions for course title, rationale, purpose, objectives, texts, lecture topics, and assignments. (SA)

Investigates the relationship between the oral and written language of one college-level basic writing student who is a speaker of vernacular Black English (VBE). Reports that neither VBE patterns in the student's oral language nor other features of orality that previous research has identified account for his writing problems. (HOD)

Advocates the use of the vernacular language, not only as an important vehicle for learning, but also as a means of enhancing the native speakers' feeling of self-worth. Presents several ways of extending the use of the vernacular, as well as the problems that can arise. (EKN)

This paper is one of a series examining language and interactional patterns of white and black Americans manifested in cultural contexts. It considers the relative impact of the power or status differential on selective perceptions, attitudes and speech behavior where power difference is crucial to the communicative process. (CHK)

In this book, Teresa M. Redd and Karen Schuster Webb explain not only what African American English (AAE) is, but also what role it may play in students' mastery of Standard Written English. Designed especially for writing teachers, this volume is a concise, coherent, and current source that summarizes the major schools of thought about…

America is a true melting pot, as exemplified by the diversity of students in our classrooms. Many are concerned with how teachers are providing instruction for the diverse groups of students they teach. Failure to embrace multiculturalism allows members of society to continue to promote disenfranchisement. For example, proponents of the complex,…