Assesses two versions of a content-based metric for coding and calculating composite verbal intensity values for naturalistic discourse. Demonstrates initial support for both face validity and concurrent validity of the metric, as measured via raters' perceptions of language intensity. (SR)

Examines an exchange in a journal between critical legal scholar Richard Fischl and mainstream legal thinker Calvin Massey. States that their argument typifies the sorts of disputes between scholars who perform deconstructions and more traditional scholars. Concludes that the power of argument may reside in its dialectical function, and that…

Describes Carolyn R. Miller's article "A Humanistic Rationale for Technical Writing" as a main source for many ideas about the nature and function of scientific and technical writing. States that Patrick Moore disagrees with Miller, and supports Moore's position by presenting arguments using the meanings of "objectivity" in…

Considers the possibility that engaging a text need not proceed through a preexisting program and, further, that another style of engagement may indicate intriguing possibilities for resistance. Demonstrates a type of criticism called "productive reading." Concludes that it is not sufficient to assume that reading must proceed through a…

Asserts that working through postmodern positions on language offers nursing different approaches to critical thinking and cultural competence, two components of multicultural education. Describes examples relevant to topics in nursing education. (SK)

Explores variation in the performance of one nonnative speaker in three different conversations with friends. The chief difference between the conversations is that the interlocutors use different interactional features that are related to their different levels of proficiency in English. (Author/VWL)

Argues the necessity of a discursive approach to policy analysis. Emphasizes the importance of metaphor to the analysis. Explores the metaphorical role of lifelong learning in educational policy. (SK)

Indicates how current stylistic criticism might engage ideological issues by more fully developing M. Bakhtin's ideas through an approach called cultural stylistics. Notes that Bakhtin's own work was very much concerned with the divorce between ideological and formalist analysis, and his "sociological stylistics" was intended to…

Questions the rhetoric of reproof and asserts the authors' belief that the practice of scholarly critique is generally salutary. Hopes to stand as a testimony to the firm belief in the importance of critique in the ongoing scholarly conversation. Considers ethical problems with (and use of) the rhetoric of reproof, and ethical awareness and the…

Examined how meanings about the concept of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were socially constructed within the everyday language use of lay persons. Over 200 language events referencing ADHD, including media sources, were recorded in journals. Results revealed five patterned ways that lay persons appropriated and interpreted…

Extends politeness theory to political debates arguing that an important element of political leadership resides in a candidate's ability to manage political image through politeness strategies in a debate. Reveals differences in face saving strategies in the debates. Considers implications for the importance of debates as campaign events and the…

Because true diversity challenges dominant discourses, those in power attempt to assimilate competing discourses in the name of diversity. An example is the judging of qualitative research proposals by the rules of quantitative research, which inevitably disadvantages qualitative research. (Contains 21 references. Includes commentary by Dawn…

Investigates the developments of "strengthened" possessives such as "hers" and "hern" (earlier her) through a fresh examination of a substantial number of Middle English texts. While the "s" forms developed in different ways, both resulted in a processing advantage, as they signal to the hearer that no head…

Discusses a written linguistic system, evidenced in medieval mixed-language business texts, that was replaced by Early Modern English. Examines medieval mixed-language business writing from the point of view of suffix mergers, as the lack of language specific suffixes resulted in code-intermediate states. (Author/VWL)

Proposes a general analytical framework called centering resonance analysis (CRA), a text analysis method suited to studying communication like reports, letters, memos, emails, and transcribed conversations. Illustrates its validity in analyzing conversations in a meeting, comparison to human readings of interview texts, and uncovering structure…