Examines the two-finger extension as a hand shape in sign language by analyzing data on 10 different sign languages. The analysis shows that a theory of marking can be developed for sign languages along the same lines as those used for spoken languages--only the particular physiology is different. (SED)

In two experiments 96 children and eight adults were tested for comprehension of the modifier-head relation in compounds such as apple-knife or were asked to label objects with compounds. Results show that by age three children reliably interpret novel compounds and made use of novel compounds to subcategorize. (RH)

Examines how, under Western influence, punctuation was adopted in Japanese texts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. (FL)

Investigated the hypotheses that language-impaired children produce fewer logical propositions per utterance and evidence less control of formal syntactic markers. Matched for mean length of utterance, language samples from 10 language-impaired children approximately five years of age and 10 normal children about three years of age were analyzed.…

Suggests that even the youngest children use systematic strategies in ordering the elements of a story based on causal and temporal relationships. (FL)

Examines some of the early uses of instrumental nouns unaccompanied by prepositions and considers the various meanings they conveyed, in order to show the kinds of changes they have undergone. A number of nominal forms have been adverbialized, and some have been replaced by prepositional phrases or other grammatical constructions. (SL)

Compares second language acquisition in formal classroom and naturalistic settings. The results suggest that different conditions of exposure to a second language do not significantly alter the accuracy order in which grammatical morphemes are produced. However, as reflected in production errors, different conditions affect learners' hypotheses…

Investigates the extent to which children develop the ability to comprehend and explain literal and idiomatic meanings as a function of age and sex. (EKN)

Examined effects of direct intervention on language learning. Using a toy manipulation task, 18 children aged 3;6 to 4;6 were systematically taught linguistic structures beyond their developmental grasp. Solid improvement was found in the experimental conditions; no significant improvement was noted in control conditions, showing that the language…

Reports on some experimental evidence in which politeness is not seen as part of the female register but instead as a social marker, indicating the status of the speaker and addressee in a given situation. (EKN)

Provides pedagogical rules for selecting relative pronouns in Spanish. Sixteen different linguistic environments in which relative pronoun usage occurs are categorized according to their different syntactic relationships and semantic intentions. (SL)

Discusses research on the acquisition of dative structures in English by second language learners, which provides support for the theory of markedness. Also discusses the theoretical implications of markedness regarding learnability of the complement structures of alternative and nonalternating dative verbs. (EKN)

Suggests that fostering dependence on techniques along, without developing awareness of how techniques relate to theoretical principles, militates against healthy development in the English language teaching profession. Argues that teachers who see research as part of their role are likely to view their work more positively than teachers who are…

This article attempts to define statistically and conceptually the fluctuation in foreign place name stress in Russian, and to draw conclusions about its meaning for the Russian stress system as a whole. (CLK)

Discusses the deficiencies of the nativistic explanation of language acquisition, reviews and critiques existing theories of syntax while highlighting the trend toward a semantic description of linguistic development, and argues that a satisfactory account of language acquisition will not emerge until this process is viewed within a larger…