Although critical of some of the claims made for contrastive analysis in the past, this article treats contrastive analysis as a useful pursuit which can contribute to language learning. (FB)

Suggests that the syndicated columns published under the by-lines Dear Abby" and Ann Landers" contain useful textual material for intermediate and advanced English-as-a-second-language students. (VM)

Examines grammatically the hesitation pauses in the spontaneous narrative speech of 48 6 1/2-7 years olds. (MB)

Analyzes and classifies types of oral reading miscues and suggests that children learn to utilize sound-letter correspondences but know immediately to transfer their knowledge of spoken language patterns to reading. Tables and bibliography. (RW)

Poor writing style among academics, particulary those in the behavioral sciences, stems from a lack of linguistic sophistication, the linguistic customs of academia, and the linguistic customs of the behavioral science disciplines. The article offers remedies for errors in each category. (SB)

Describes and suggests the significance of syntactic imagery, poetic effects created through expressive grammatical structures. (MM)

Using semantic analysis as a basis, examines the wide variety of syntactic and semantic functions of "got" and the parallel structures present in Spanish. (EKN)

Presents examples of unintentional humor from college freshman composition courses. Suggests that by pointing out miscommunications, teachers can persuade students to use standard English more effectively. (MM)

The use of poetry is recommended in language classes to develop both students' knowledge of English and their appreciation of literature. Poem extracts are presented that illustrate features of phonology, vocabulary, grammar, meaning, colloquialisms, and style. (MSE)

In conversations in social settings, few nonnative speaker errors were corrected by native speakers. Discourse and vocabulary errors were corrected more frequently than errors in syntax and omission, suggesting that treatment of vocabulary in the classroom be reexamined and serious consideration be given to teaching properties of English…

Business letter-writers are advised to develop reader empathy and benefit before they ask a favor. The author analyzed two model 16th century letters of request to determine if similar advice was given in the past, and found that the request was subordinate to building a mutually beneficial relationship. (PD)