The issue of language dominance testing is explored with special attention to: (1) a history of language testing in the United States from 1943 to 1974, (2) methods presently utilized for the determination of language dominance, (3) problems encountered in language dominance testing, and (4) some specific research that has been carried out related…

The study of schema theory as part of the inquiry into the nature of language comprehension has drawn attention to the reader's central role in the construction of text-guided meaning. Contemporary schema theory represnts a major step in the effort to move away from a reductionist view of reading comprehension. Specifically, it focuses on wbat…

Briefly explores the role of the elderly in sociolinguistic theory and research. It is determined that speech accommodation theory is a profitable framework for elucidating the sociolinguistic mechanics of and the social psychological processes underlying intergenerational encounters. (Author/CB)

Analyzes what counts as knowledge in social studies education and the power relations that structure discourse and discursive practices in this field. Argues that knowledge and power interpenetrate and act to produce and reproduce each other. Shows some of the ways this works in social studies education. (CMG)

Findings of sociolinguistic research that can be used by language teachers to elicit meaningful and authentic communication from their students are reviewed, including such factors as nonverbal cues, situation, intent, mood, and cultural norms. (MSE)

Presents an approach that seeks to understand the sociocultural context of communication analysis among deaf children. The discussion has three parts: (1) identification of components of an anthropological approach and discussion of its relevance to deaf communication research; (2) description of a current research project; and (3) discussion of…

A brief reveiw of recent literature in France on bilingualism, or more properly, diglossia. In the context of a bi- or pluri-linguistic situation, dialectology, linguistic distribution of both speakers and systems, official and regional languages, and the problem of belonging to a linguistic community and ethnic identification are discussed. (AMH)

Notes developments in sociolinguistic theory with implications for the teaching of writing. (RL)

A review of the status of research on literacy concludes that vagueness and ambiguity of definition, measurement, methodology, and evaluation continue to grip the large body of literacy research, debates, and programs, with the underlying assumptions made about the concept of monolingual societies resulting in overly simplified and speculative…

Explored the relationship between the status of Javanese women and the politeness or formality of their speech. While women typically spoke more politely than men as an expression of their secondary status at home, men cultivated politeness to express their superior status and authority in the wider cultural context. (Author/CB)

Applies techniques of conversational analysis and sociolinguistics to provide an ethnographic account of a mediation in Thailand. (48 references) (LB)

Refutes the concept that a single and universal tongue is ideal and the rich diversity of languages is an unfortunate state of affairs, pointing out that the mastery of several languages enhances cultural understanding and experience. (eight references) (CB)

Examines the current tradition of cross-cultural speech act research and concludes that each of the approaches so far proposed for analyzing cross-cultural speech acts is inadequate in one respect or another. (45 references) (GLR)

After reviewing recent research on child language development under age five, this article discusses classroom discourse and identifies factors that may promote or inhibit pupils' mastery of the later phases of linguistic development. (30 references) (Author/LB)

Analysis of 238 variables pertaining to 170 polities indicated that linguistic heterogeneity could not independently predict either gross national product or civil strife, with the former primarily accounted for by modernization and industrialization variables, and the latter by long- and short-term deprivation and inadequate coercive power. (14…