Presents a framework for representing hand signs in American Sign Language which can account for surface data in a way that explains underlying properties of sign structure. This model preserves the structural and functional importance of location, movement, and hand configuration and reveals special properties of the hand tier. (Author/SED)

Describes an investigation into the relationship of schizophrenic thought disorder to measures of repetition that include phrase units, proximity of repetitions, and word frequencies to determine whether such measures distinguish schizophrenics from non-schizophrenics and to what extent they are associated with certain attributes of schizophrenia,…

A model grounded in recent ordinary language philosophy is proposed which postulates that subjects employ counterfactual and contrastive criteria of causal ascription, as unified in the notion of an abnormal condition. Two experiments satisfy the three criteria specified for an adequate test of the abnormal conditions focus model. (Author/LMO)

Presents theory of "audience design" which assumes that speakers design their style of talk for their audience, and examines how speakers do this. Also examines the effects on style shift of nonpersonal factors (such as topic and setting) and of referees (the class of persons with whom the speaker identifies). (SED)

Examines the slow growth of a body of knowledge about how information can best be communicated without necessary reference to overt persuasion, from Henry Day's "Art of Rhetoric" through contemporary explanatory rhetoric. (FL)

Argues that rhetorical genre must be defined in terms of rhetorical action rather than form or substance. Proposes a conception of rhetorical genre based on conventionalized social motives found in recurrent situations. Points out the implications for rhetorical education: genres help students understand how to participate in community action. (PD)

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

Argues that structuralism needs to be given a wider base than that of the highly specialized studies that are usually cited as examples. Rather, extension should be made philosophically, in the direction of phenomenology, and, practically, with some of the work being done in linguistics. (HOD)

Describes the results of three experiments designed to identify cues people use to paragraph text and to determine whether those cues are semantic, formal, or both. (HOD)

Cites examples of current language usage that subordinates females, and contends that everyone is responsible for deleting sexism from oral and written communication. (MH)

This article uses an animate/inanimate distinction in "se" constructions in Spanish to explain how to comprehend the messages conveyed by such constructions. Depending on the verb form, the emphasis may be on the event rather than the performer, or indicate that the speaker accepts no responsibility for the event. (CHK)

Interaction is one of the key variables involved in successful online learning. Previous studies analyzing online interaction are limited in their ability to reveal dynamic aspects of interaction in online learning environments. The aim of this study is to develop and test the multi-level assessment framework for analyzing multi-facets of online…

In the midst of tragedy, humans reconsider what they value in life. This reassessment is not only cognitive, but also is embodied and spiritual. Given the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and massive downsizings prior to (and after) this tragedy, many individuals in the United States have come to rethink their priorities in life. One site…

Through an examination of the discourse markers "ano" and "sono" in Japanese (commonly characterized as demonstrative adjectives but which cannot be used interchangeably in a context), this paper explores how these linguistic devices function in conversation found in Japanese writings. The focus of this analysis is the mental…

The objective of this study was to investigate how two application lessons at the end of an earth science curriculum contributed to two different types of classroom: generative and authoritative. This study used Vygotsky's views to interpret earth science learning in the elementary classroom. The research questions were: How do fifth grade…