Results of a research project with a two-fold objective: first, to determine the forms, i.e., the kinds of pronouns used by a particular group of Japanese, and, second, to interpret the ways in which members of this group use the pronouns so determined under various specifiable conditions. (RS)

Discusses the current meager state of knowledge of sex differentiation in language variation and concludes that poor theorizing and inadequate methodology are to blame. Describes a study of pronoun usage by male and female Japanese speakers to show that research on sex differentiation in language is possible. (EKN)

Focuses on nicknames used with positive social intent to test whether positive nicknames follow more closely the phonological trends in phonasthetic English words. Findings indicate evidence of particular consonantal and vocalic preferences in nicknames as well as trends in stress and syllabic structure, suggesting evidence of sound-symbolism at…

Discusses the role of rule in language as well as the role of the linguist in preserving and/or altering the rules. The article lists three terms and the distinctions among them emerging from Harris's viewpoint: law of nature, rule, and regularity. (14 references) (CK)

Sociolinguistic patterns of India are discussed. (LG)

This experiment using the matched-guise technique in a natural setting shows that listeners' cooperative behavior can be influenced by a speaker's style of speech not only in a face-to-face situation, but also on the basis of voice cues alone. Broadness of pronunciation also influences reactions. (POP)

Reviews and synthesizes speech act analysis (Austin and Searles), politeness phenomena (Brown and Levinson), rules affecting speaking (Hymes), and activity analysis (Wittgenstein). Advances the notion that the theories are complementary rather than contradictory. (EKN)

Explores the moral and political issues involved in the concept of language rights. Examines language diversity as well as insights into the relationship among language, human existence, and culture; elaborates the concept of language rights; and discusses the moral and political philosophy of language rights. (34 references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on an exploration of an alternative space adjacent to postmodernist work in language rights. There are numerous different positions on language rights. Extends a politicized version of language rights that proposes that these rights are subordinate to the structure of power and domination and that language policy is a form of covert state…

Suggests that a sociopragmatic approach to the study of forms of address may shed new light on address behavior in general and on the use of forms of address in French and Dutch in particular. "Form of address" is used to encompass not only second-person singular pronouns, but also other devices that can be employed to make reference to…

Interindividual and intragroup code-switching between the local and urban dialects is related to the degree of interplay among sociocultural factors of status, integrity and self-esteem present in the speech situation. In formal meetings, code-switching is governed by these factors with speakers manipulating the parameters of status while…

Focuses on the question of how language rights can be subjected to legal provisions. Argues that, because language has social and individual aspects, working out solutions for specific situations is more important than universal principles. Argues against the idea that languages are objects deserving of legal protection. (14 references) (Author/CK)

Experiment supporting the crux of Mead's discussion describing the development and projection of the social self. Use of pronominal references seems to be an indicator of the dimensions of the interaction process. (POP)

Discusses the rise of classicism in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, and demonstrates how this concept represents a basis for social discrimination. (AM)