The selection of appropriate vocabulary is a crucial and challenging aspect of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention. Core vocabulary lists are frequently used to support vocabulary selection for children who require AAC. A vocabulary domain that has garnered limited attention within the AAC literature is relational basic…

Two hundred job application forms from retail, food, service, and light industry were analyzed for vocabulary. Frequency and relative rankings were revealed for 131 words which were found on at least 80 percent of the forms. (CL)

Describes the rationale and development process for basic German vocabulary lists and compares entries from Pfeffer's Grundstufe, based on a corpus of spoken language, and Baldegger's Kontaktschwelle, a criterion-referenced vocabulary based on communicative needs of certain groups. Examples are given. (LMO)

Investigates the relationship between traditional and simplified characters of Chinese to determine the systematic ways in which traditional forms are simplified. The one thousand most frequently used characters and their simplified forms, if any, are listed in order of frequency of use. (DJD)

Updates a list (originally published in 1963) of "survival" or essential words--words so important for survival and success in everyday life that everyone should know them. Notes that recognition of these key words and phrases may require non-English-speaking individuals, disabled readers, and adult literacy students to use rote memorization for…

After examining how Dolch developed his list of 220 basic sight words and identifying major criticisms of this list, the author reports two studies undertaken to revise the Dolch list. Five advantages of the revised Dolch list over the original are identified and discussed. The revised list is included. (Editor/SJL)

Outlines a method of determining which words should be selected as the basic vocabulary for French courses. Rather than using frequency as its criterion, this method defines lexical utility in terms of definition, inclusion, extension, and combination. The Quebec list and the Francais Fondamental are evaluated. (EJS)

A method for developing and expanding basic French vocabulary by using a basic word list and derivation techniques is examined, and research on this approach is presented. (MSE)

A short survey of the classifications of Russian verbs from the fields of linguistics and language teaching is presented, and a classification useful for language teaching based on linguistic principles is developed. The classification is demonstrated using 1,400 verbs and 4,000 frequently used words in language teaching. (SW)

Focuses on the examination of pupil responses for grades two through four in a study that provides more recent information about the performance of pupils on the Dolch Test. Provides some observations to assist teachers in interpreting the result of pupil responses to these words. (MG)

Four different vocabulary lists based on the study of children's writing were consulted to generate a basic spelling list of 850 words. The Basic Spelling Vocabulary List provides words that children most often use when writing and that are important in beginning reading instruction. (SM)

Preschoolers enthusiastically tackle reading when they get to read and share their "special" words. The author, a preschool teacher, describes a successful classroom strategy for helping students make the connection between print and meaning. As students develop word lists that have special meaning for them and then use these words in stories and…

Describes a set of criteria for selection of core vocabulary, with examples given from English. Suggests applications for such a vocabulary in grading reading materials and analyzing stylistics. (LMO)

An approach to language textbooks evaluation based on objective criteria and relying on data easily obtained by means of computers, such as word frequency lists, is proposed. The importance of vocabulary acquisition in language learning is emphasized. Accordingly, word selection and rate of repetition are seen as central evaluation criteria. (MES)

This study identifies high-frequency words in the spontaneous vocabulary of 125 first grade children, and suggests ways to use the word list in teaching beginning readers. (CM)