A study explored the meanings of democracy held by teachers and students in each of the three types of secondary schools in an emerging democracy (the Czech Republic) by locating the meaning in multi-dimensional semantic space. Data were collected during 2 months of fieldwork conducted in the Czech Republic during the fall of 1997. Students and…

This book explores the nature and purposes of formulaic language, examining patterns across research from the fields of discourse analysis, first language acquisition, language pathology, and applied linguistics. There are 14 chapters in 6 parts. Part 1, "What Formulaic Sequences Are," includes (1) "The Whole and the…

A study investigated patterns in phonological errors occurring in the speaker's second language in both formal and informal speaking situations. Subjects were three adult learners of English as a second language, including a native Spanish-speaker and two Asians. Their speech was recorded during diagnostic testing (formal speech) and in everyday…

Essays, all in French, address issues in language teacher and translator training. They include: "Les competences linguistiques et discursives du redacteur professionel: un ensemble a circonscrire" ("Linguistic and Discourse Competencies of the Professional Editor: A Unity To Define") (Celine Beaudet); "Les composantes d'un enseignement systemique…

The role of grammar instruction in proficiency-oriented second language instruction (POI) is examined, drawing on research and theory on second language use and instruction. Several premises are stated: (1) formal grammar has an important role in POI, while focus on form and communicative practice should be maintained; (2) in POI, a syllabus that…

Concludes that both average and superior students know their language, standard English predominated in the speech of all subgroups, and teachers should not have different expectations for males than they do for females. (RB)

Considers the use of language by children vs. that by teachers in the classroom and how language is crucial for effective learning processes. (RK)

Author offers a study of listening processes and a framework for approaching the study of the spoken language. (RK)

Details a pilot experiment English as a Second Foreign Language at the Primary School" conducted at Ghent State University, Belgium. Subjects of study were children whose native language is Dutch and who have studied French for at least two years. (DS)

Article relates a language research study that found that children have not thoroughly mastered the passive transformation by the end of the first grade. (Author/ML)