Until recently, research in applied linguistics has tended to treat learners in relative isolation from their context, and to study primarily classroom and other educational contexts. This paper in contrast focuses on the contexts which frame learning, and in particular the resources which these contexts provide. A model is outlined which includes…

The first five issues of the "SLANT" Newsletter for researchers in second language acquisition are included. Highlights include: (1) a bibliography on theories of second language learning by Larry Selinker, (2) descriptions of research in progress in England, and (3) the syllabus for the diploma in applied lingusitics at the University…

This is a collection of 60 essays on dialectology written in the period from 1942 to 1979. The essays fall into the categories of theoretical, applied, and critical dialectology. Some of the more recent titles include: "System and Variety in American English,""Dialect Differences and Social Differences in an Urban…

Proposes that communicative language teaching must be evaluated in light of second language acquisition theory and research. Argues that without this critical perspective, communicative language teaching runs the risk of being no better than the traditional methods it was intended to replace. (SR)

An attempt to refute the opinion that true bilingualism is acquired only in early childhood. The discussion arises from experience with bilingual adults. The results of the study lead to recommendations on the production of materials for the teaching of foreign languages. (Author/AMH)

Evaluates the contribution of Coupland's research project on language and aging from the perspective of an African interest in gerontology. Argues that some of the underlying concepts need to be reconsidered if the project is to be extended to a different context. Outlines the strengths and frustrations inherent in multidisciplinary research. (17…

Follow up to a previous study of the use of "por" and "para," this study analyzes "ser,""estar," and "haber" for lexical selection in relation to their functions and also for errors in tense, mode, aspect, agreement, and invented forms and uses of copula in simplified or reduced utterances. Data were from 20 oral examinations of Peace Corps…

Data obtained from a test of erasing an initial consonant or vowel of nonwords are presented and discussed to prove the inefficiency of processing when depending solely on acoustic decontextualized data. The experimental paradigm is the same as that used by the Universite Libre de Bruxelles. (six references) (LB)

It is suggested that a title provides the key component in a reader's ability to interpret a text. Experiments conducted with short news texts demonstrate that a title that is too vague, general, or inadequate to the main idea of the text entails a longer reading time or deficiencies in comprehension. (eight references) (LB)

A study is reported that aimed to develop an instrument based on cues speakers use to support each other during the verbal elaboration of a topic of conversation and to test its effect on the development of writers' abilities to elaborate during revision. (Author/LB)

Several examples of genre analysis are examined to identify criteria employed for the identification of textual boundaries. The conclusion is that there are nonlinguistic reasons for generic staging in texts and that the search for structural divisions is a search for cognitive boundaries in terms of convention, appropriacy, and content. (42…

Studies the basic principles of strategic interaction to a written task, retaining the properties of group work, inventive outcome, and hidden agenda. In an attempt to stimulate students to engage in more realistic communication in a written activity, students in a French class wrote letters to students in a Spanish class. (13 references) (LB)

Discusses a study of listening strategies among 12 English-as-a-Second-Language college students, using protocol analysis to analyze students' oral responses to listening selections. Identifies 3 recalling strategies (e.g., paraphrasing); 4 speculating strategies (e.g., inferring); 3 probing strategies (i.e., analyzing language conventions); and 2…

Examines two areas of applied linguistics: corpus analysis and critical discourse analysis, where linguistic description makes claims to be directly relevant to real world problems in language use and learning. (Author/VWL)

This paper sets out to review current approaches to world Englishes from a range of perspectives, from English studies to sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, lexicography, popularizers and critical linguistics. It then proceeds to consider current debates on English worldwide and world Englishes, noting the recent criticisms of the world…