This article considers a mechanism of the linguistic change that occurs at the grammatical- and lexical-functioning levels. The linguistic phenomenon that stem from these mechanisms can be seen in the socio-linguistic macro context of the autonomization and vehicularization of the speech. This article examines the development of the…

A study of the distribution and the nature of the so-called Multiple Subject Construction (MSC) in Korean is presented from the perspective of functional syntax theory. The major proposal is that multiple subjectivization is possible only when the first noun phrase of the multiple subjects is characterized by the rest of the clause. The…

This paper argues that further distinctions of syllable weight are necessary to account for certain phonological processes. It is shown that Pulaar, a dialect of Fula, makes a four-way weight distinction. In addition, the analysis shows that previous analyses of Pulaar metrical structure are inadequate. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis…

Computer mediated communication (CMC) is a widely used communicative tool within various professional and social groups. The focus of the present article is on the Linguist List (LL), which can be described as an edited person-to-group international academic mailing list, and with a particular speech act: a request for information (RFI). Because…

As educational researchers continue to discover and appreciate the merits of a qualitative approach, interest in classroom discourse as a useful interpretive resource for making sense of teaching and learning has grown tremendously, especially the use of transcripts. The principal purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the primary benefit of…

Relations between rank of propositions in descriptive passages, importance ratings, and recall were evaluated in experiments using undergraduates to determine whether passage structure and importance ratings are necessarily related. Importance ratings varied with instructions, but subjects recalled superordinate propositions better than…

Structural analysis of literature, and one particular analysis of discourse, are criticized as technical rather than critical in nature, depersonalized, and conformist. The objections to the specific analysis are outlined and discussed. (MSE)

Subjects were better able to read essays in good rhetorical form with explicit structural cues than essays in bad form without cues and in deviant paragraph order. Differences depended upon whether the test evaluated macro- or microprocesses (global or local comprehension). Comprehension strategies involving rhetorical cues are discussed.…

Examines the extent to which the structure of simple conversations influences the subsequent memorability of dialogues. (FL)

A computer analysis of the most frequently occurring (approximately 18,000) words in the English language was conducted. All letter strings from two to seven letters in length (ngrams) were output. The information maybe useful for reading instruction. (Author/RD)

Introduces a systematic methodology for the analysis of covert or latent group talk, along with a set of operational procedures of validation. The methodology is related to analogical reasoning. (RC)

Suggests that structural universals between different-based pidgins result from universal linguo-cognitive processing strategies which are employed in learning languages. Some of the strategies occur in all types of acquisition, and others are more applicable to L2 type acquisition. Past research is discussed, and some exemplary data are given.…

Examines the prosodic features of political candidates' names and their hypothesized influence on voters' attitudes. Reports on the burgeoning business of politic prosody--the identification and analysis of the persuasive qualities of the rhythms of the English language. (RL)

Presents a perspective on the system of language levels and logical operations that effective language users employ. Offers a rational for teaching this language system. Suggests activities for "moving language around" to help students develop concepts about language structures. (RL)

Discusses some possible phrase-structure patterns for the "for + noun/pronoun" structure, exemplified in "It is easy for you to say that." Only the simple active patterns involving the structure should be taught at the elementary and intermediate levels. Passive and other patterns should be delayed in teaching. (PJM)