One theory of linguistic information processing asserts that there is a preliminary incomplete analysis of linguistic information which lets people judge how difficult the information will be to process completely. The present study investigates the reliability and validity of such judgments of comprehensibility and discusses some of their…

A discussion of the views of various linguists on the future tense in English, followed by a scheme for classifying expressions of futurity. To be continued in a future issue. (FB)

Critically examines some of the assumptions made of linguistics and literature in the book "Literary Text and Language Study." (HOD)

Compares five style manuals for their differences in stipulating the mechanical rules of preparing research reports. Notes that the really necessary criteria for judging technical writing are legibility, effective presentation, and honesty of content. (RL)

Seven teachers voice their opinions (mostly negative) about contemporary, self-appointed language critics. (RL)

Illustrates with numerous examples and analyses the various uses of "quien." Discusses alternation between "quien" and the groups "el cual"/"el que," variation in the verb agreement, the function of "quien" as an indefinite pronoun, as well as questions of stylistic preference and correctness. (MES)

Examines the language style of news and the factors that influence it, with data drawn from extensive research on radio news in Auckland, New Zealand. Study of newscasters' language style shows that newscasters will alter their style of speech depending upon who they think is listening. (PD)

Provides examples from two classroom exercises: an exercise in which the opening verses of the King James Bible are rewritten in various modern styles, and an exercise in which words in well-known book titles are changed to show the power of the original titles. (GT)

Examines the verbal and nonverbal language characteristics of several renowned television preachers. Points out that they have identified and segmented their market to more fully exploit the television market and that they have mastered promotional and advertising skills. Proposes governmental controls of some aspects of religious broadcasting.…

Illustrates the "no-win" situation in the eternal battle over matters of English usage. (RL)

Investigated the occurence of language in the play of preschool children. Ninety-three percent involved playing with language sounds, and 7 percent with language structure. (Author/DB)