Examines the speech act of complimenting as example of sociolinguistic information needed to understand problems of language learners. Describes semantic and syntactic structure of compliments in American English and compares this with complimenting behavior in other cultures. (Author/BK)

If language research is to arrive at valid analyses of speech behavior, both observation and elicitation methods of data collection will have to be used as necessary complements to one another. The advantages and disadvantages of different research methods are discussed. (CB)

Examines the curriculum of international teaching assistant (ITA) programs within a sociolinguistic model of language use, the "communicative competence" model proposed by Hymes (1972). The authors advocate reconceptualizing language skills in terms of communicative competence allowing ITA programs to better prepare ITAs for their roles as…

Offers a classification of conventionalized language forms that can be of use to classroom teachers, curriculum designers, and materials developers. Discusses the role played by these forms in the development of communicative competence, and related linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pedagogic issues. (Author/MES)

Historical, political, and sociolinguistic aspects of the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Puerto Rico are examined. It is suggested that the apparent failure of ESL instruction is in reality a motivated failure: a society's successful resolution of a conflict between government planning for bilingualism and social pressure for…

Argues that within English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classrooms many identities are hidden. Discusses how these identities may affect the classroom and its participants and suggests what ESL administrators and faculty members might do in response to these identities, and their ramifications for the classroom. (five references) (Author/CK)

Considers two aspects of knowing language, besides grammar and vocabulary, that are often understressed: 1) perspective taking (through rhythm and intonation) and 2) manipulation of language variation. This observation is discussed in relation to the contrast between incidental and intentional learning, and an argument is made for an intimate…