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…

Shows the interaction of the global and the local aspects of British Caribbean identities in talk. By viewing identities as texts of social practice that are constructed and displayed both through topic and stylistic changes, shows the possibility for reading speakers' identities in and through talk. (Author/VWL)

The pervasive violence in schools is a manifestation of gender inequality. Discourses of school violence suggest that "others" are responsible and militarist solutions are necessary. These discourses prevent recognition that violence is a symptom of social inequality. (SK)

Presents two brief language stories and critical literacy lessons to offer a space for considering the different literacies, knowledge, and power constructed through different language use. Demonstrates the literacies are made possible by more powerful discourses such as critical literacy. (RS)

Investigates the use of discourse markers in the "layering of voices" in Israeli Hebrew talk in interaction. The study is based on audiotape recordings of 16 casual Israeli Hebrew conversations between friends and family relatives collected over 3 years. (Author/VWL)

Describes the use of "I'm sorry" by Japanese speakers that accomplishes a function that has not been identified previously and discusses possible consequences of this use in the American English speaking community. (Author/VWL)

One teacher-researcher pursues a dialogue to reflect on his own teaching practice, through enlivening conversation with two inspiring teachers. Shows that dimension can be discovered through talk. Examines methods through which dialogue is achieved and through which some account of the creative process contributing to the formation of this work is…

Focuses on the semantic-conceptual structure that contains the ideas and information a speaker wishes to convey to a listener. Reviews the status of temporal cycles using appropriate design and statistical procedures. Explores the correlates and dynamics of temporal cycles in spontaneous spoken discourse. (Author/VWL)

Reviews the body of work inspired by the late Cold War period, where nuclear weapons briefly became a compelling object for communication scholars. Considers the prospects for nuclear communication scholarship in post-Cold War culture. Discusses "nuclear criticism" and issues regarding the bomb in communication. (SC)