Describes a computer-based connectionist-type network model that correctly identified the gender of a set of French nouns, relying solely on information inherent in the nouns' structures, in the absence of explicit rules for evaluating nouns, through discovering criterial gender-specific features through examples of masculine and feminine nouns.…

It is argued that dictionary definitions of objects are enhanced by addition of usage information, sometimes idiomatic and sometimes indicating specific functions of the object. This lexical semantic approach is illustrated primarily with the example of the French word "boite." (MSE)

Discussed the relationship between definiteness and word order (WO) from three aspects: the position of the unquantified noun phrases as related to their definiteness; effects of quantifiers on WO; and relative order of different noun phrases in the same clause. Data verify that the correlation between definiteness and WO is valid for larger…

The goal of this paper is to explore the ramifications of a nontraditional view of cognition and social interaction for the study of grammatical structure. (Contains 77 references.) (JL)

The phenomena of overlapping talk is examined. In numerous types of conversational exchanges, people briefly acknowledge the utterance that overlapped their own and then recycle an overlapped utterance and/or introduce a new topic. Three types of objects are illustrated and discussed: an acknowledgment token, an assessment, and a commentary. (four…

Traces the historical development of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). Considers some reasons why E-Prime has been advocated by semanticists. Provides arguments against the use of E-Prime. (HB)

Considers the feasibility and usefulness of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). Presents a modified version of E-Prime that differentiates between various uses of the verb "to be." (HB)

Argues that the implementation of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be") as a means of eliminating bad language is a simplistic solution to the problem. Provides four reasons why this is the case. (HB)

Provides 10 brief and succinct arguments against the use of E-Prime, a form of English eliminating all forms of the verb, "to be." (HB)

Distinguishes between the letter of the law and its spirit in the use (or misuse) of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). Shows how sentences written in E-Prime can still be fraught with unclear thought. Considers how E-Prime can be abused. (HB)

Discusses the feasibility of the total elimination of conjugated forms of "to be," as advocates of E-Prime suggest. Claims that a total elimination is not acceptable, because certain forms of the verb "to be" are more feasibile and therefore more important than others. (HB)

Questions the usefulness of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"), particularly the claim that E-Prime provides a simple discipline by which dishonesty and prejudice can be eliminated from communication. Claims that restructuring verbal communication treats the symptoms of dishonesty without curing the…

Provides an overview and critique by a well-known proponent of E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be") of the articles included in this special issue. Advocates more widespread use of the E-Prime form, especially in English classes. (HB)

Discusses some of the historical background of the movement to do away with the verb "to be" and employ E-Prime (a form of English that eliminates all forms of the verb "to be"). (HB)

Suggests that the form of English called "E-Prime" (which eliminates all forms of the verb "to be") has a certain attraction, but argues that many important uses of the verb "to be" remain in the English language. Provides examples and develops a method of designating the various forms of the verb in terms of the…