This article focuses on low-performing adult readers in the Scandinavian countries, seeking to identify and describe some of the literacy-related problems that they face. Following a presentation of the Reading Components Assessment (RCA) used in PIAAC (Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies), we provide profiles for those…

Discusses the feasibility of Basic Variety (BV) principles proposed by Klein and Perdue, arguing that some of them need clarification with learner varieties and that they are not part of Universal Grammar (UG) as they exclude phenomena (e.g., psych verbs) that cannot be excluded from the core of natural language. (15 references) (Author/CK)

Details a study indicating that the minimal level of literacy necessary for adults in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is very high. Provides a master list of vocabulary words, symbols, numbers, abbreviations, computational skills, and writing skills needed for functional literacy. (MKM)

A list of English words used most frequently in adult speech (based on "A Spoken Word Count" by Lyle V. Jones and Joseph M. Wepman) was compared to a list of words used most frequently in adult writing (based on Ernest Horn's "A Basic Writing Vocabulary, 10,000 Words Most Commonly Used in Writing"). Conclusions were that (1) word selection varies…

Discusses the implications of the tendency of adult second-language learners to develop a well-structured, simple form of language outside the classroom, i.e. the Basic Variety (BV). Focuses on the structural properties of the BV, the status of these properties and the reasons why some structural properties of "fully fledged" languages are more…

An illustrated workbook containing exercises in speaking and writing skills designed for a beginning learner of English as a second language is presented. The workbook includes material on greetings, giving personal information, numbers, time, days of the week, holidays, body parts, health information, states of being, food, colors, clothing,…