Discusses the differences among current researchers interested in inferences, including the types of inferences studied and the methodologies used. Presents a theoretical and methodological framework for organizing empirical investigations of inferential processes of reading. (HB)

Considers the difference between commonplace inferences versus more elusive inferences in reading processes. Claims that higher level inferences may be restricted in part because they do not operate in response to simple memory symbols but depend on complex compositional representations not always available. (HB)

Suggests that the term "inference" itself has had a negative effect on the study of how information is elaborated and reduced in text processing. Discusses some of the current views of inferencing in text comprehension. Suggests viewing information reduction processes within the same framework as information accretion. (HB)

Comembership, an aspect of social identity that involves specific attributes (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender), was investigated in faculty-student advising interviews. Student language indicates that role comembership may increase the complexity of the interaction by increasing the need to mark participant status. (Contains 18 references.) (LB)

Ways are suggested for language researchers to understand the relationship between language and social identity. It is argued that speakers attempt to establish the social identities of themselves and others through verbally performing certain social acts and verbally displaying certain stances. (Contains 53 references.) (LB)

Discusses the prospect of the elimination of metaphors in writings done in E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). Considers the ontology and epistemology of language with respect to the implementation of E-Prime. Argues for the usefulness of E-Prime in writing instruction. (HB)

Defines poetry as a distinctive form of language. Argues that writing poetry in E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be") can be a very effective tool for locating the fragmentation of regular language. Claims that excellent poetry can be written in E-Prime. (HB)

Describes how a teacher revised his public speaking textbook by altering the style to "E-Prime" (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). Summarizes the arguments against the use of E-Prime and provides responses that might come from E-Prime's supporters. (HB)

Discusses examination and cross-examination strategies used in the adversarial system of a U.S. criminal trial, arguing against the use of traditional discourse analysis to describe courtroom communication and demonstrating how counsel use semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic features to establish credibility and achieve calculated responses. (25…

A method used to help translators develop skill in understanding texts uses a grid for organizing information before it is translated into another language. The technique, which can also be used simply for notetaking, is illustrated with a text in French. (MSE)

Examines cohesion in the introductions to some scientific articles and compares the patterns to those from popularizations. Discusses a computational model of cohesion. Argues that readers of scientific articles must have a knowledge of lexical relations to see the implicit cohesion, whereas readers of popularizations must see the cohesive…

Examines how conceptions of the text, reader, author, and context are altered by postmodern theories of intertextuality (ITX), and what ITX itself has come to mean as articulated by this theorizing and research. The idea of deconstructing reading is described. (Contains 48 references.) (JP)

Questions whether the discourse of community tends to deny full participation to people who differ from the consensual values of the majority. Argues that participation in an ethical discourse community must be guided by an ethics that directs people to value their differences. Reviews critiques of community. Presents an alternative discourse. (HB)

Examines three news stories to illustrate how journalists can use irony to undercut and even reverse the literal or ostensible meaning of what is being reported. Argues that, by issuing its judgment quietly, irony renders morality a private matter, which is arguably dysfunctional in a society where the role of the press is to foster public debate…

Examines the ironic "problems" of the 1989 Hollywood film "Fat Man and Little Boy" (portraying the construction of the atomic bomb at the Los Alamos Laboratory during World War II) to demonstrate the ideological operations of nuclear texts, and the role of the nuclear weapons organization as a symbolic form in cultural…