This article traces the history of several themes in applied linguistics and to show the relationships between linguistic theory and the sciences concerned with the learning and teaching of languages. Interest in word frequency statistics is discussed in particular. (Text is in Italian.) (CFM)

Discusses some of the basic issues of applied psycholinguistics (APL): the necessity for having a field called psycholinguistics, the specific object and scope of APL, the requirements that make it possible for such a field to exist and be developed, its theoretical basis, and methodological tools for research. (SED)

This article discusses the nature of translation as a linguistic phenomenon, and the pros and cons of its application to second language instruction. (CLK)

Develops F. de Saussure's metaphor that likens the study of linguistics to the study of mathematics, because of the complexity of both disciplines. (DS)

"Traditional (language instruction): treats words separate from their context; linguistic (language instruction): treats words according to their context in the sentence." (Author/CH)

Linguistic theories have a great effect on classroom language teaching methods, and shifts in theory popularity can cause confusion among language teachers. A broad understanding of theory and practice is necessary to provide balance and to select the right teaching method for each occasion. (CHK)

This paper proposes that theoretical studies of the Chinese resultative construction can make it easier to teach and learn. Several varied linguistic approaches are necessary to the language teacher. Pedagogical analyses of data are valued when based on different relevant theoretical points, elucidating meaning, function, purpose and form of data.…

Applies a taxonomic principle to analyze the gradual elaboration of any language or sign system as a technology of communication rather than the reflection of a specialized language faculty or cluster of language faculties. (Author/CB)

A theoretical discussion is offered on whether the subjunctive in the Romance languages is by nature thematic, as suggested in previous studies. English and Spanish samples are used to test the hypothesis; one conclusion is that the subjunctive seems to offer speaker-related information and may express the intensity of the speaker's involvement.…

Drummond and Hopper's article in this issue, "Back Channels Revisited," is discussed in terms of its ability to elicit contrary responses from different scholars because it incorporates elements of two incommensurate approaches to the study of conversation. Weider sets the stage for subsequent articles in this issue. (11 references) (LB)

Discusses how perspectives on the critical period hypothesis (CPH) have shifted over the last 20-20 years, because of the work of applied linguistics and other disciplines. Advises caution into translating CPH research into personal practice or public policy. (Author/VWL)

In 2001, the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission released for sale a new "instant lottery ticket" "scratch-and-play" game card named "Caesars [sic] Palace[R]" (played by scratching the surface of each card at designated spots to reveal hidden numbers or images). It offered ten grand prizes of $1,000,000 each and a…

This paper examines some of the implications of testing for statistical significance. After considering methodological issues raised by two examples from the literature, the paper proceeds to look in detail at a variety of misunderstandings attached to the reporting of "significant" results. It is concluded that significance testing is of limited…

This article describes an experiment in which the following hypothesis was tested and supported: that tension serves to reinforce the phoneme's articulatory characteristic, whether it be closure or openness; and that audibility interferes with perception of tension. (Text is in French.) (AM)

Advocates the use in language teaching of different but complementary approaches to language description rather than strict adherence to a single theoretical model. Various linguistic descriptions of indirect object structures are given as support for the thesis. (KM)