Examples of authentic English speech generally include a variety of English writing as well as the English in which both native and non-native speakers communicate. Authentic language is commonly defined by the language teaching profession as that which has not been spoken or written specifically for language teaching. This definition could be…

Attempts to identify elements of universal language and probes the limitations of the communication metaphor. Universal language is discussed in terms of the theory of quantum nonlocality and the implications of this theory for communication with extraterrestrial beings. (PCB)

Examines how conductors and orchestras communicate. Communication is essentially nonverbal. Conductors use gestures, gaze, facial expression, nods and posture to deliver their message. Norbert Weiner's Cybernetic Theory of human communication is seen as a means of analyzing precisely how this musical communication takes place. (16 references) (LET)

Examines the future spread of English around the globe and the challenges of maintaining common standards and mutual intelligibility among different varieties of English. Discusses changes in Kachru's three circles of English speakers, and features of English as a global language. (Author/VWL)

Presents examples of vocabulary items and expressions which can be found in Canada, particularly in Quebec, and which would be misunderstood, or not understood at all, by the average Frenchman. (AM)

Reviews the construct of speech intelligibility as expounded by Cathford half a century ago in a landmark treatise and in the collaborative efforts of Smith, Nelson, and Rafiqzad to examine its relevance to intercultural communication in a new millennium beset by the contradictory global tensions of homogeneity and fragmentation. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on semicommunication and accommodation and discusses two longer extracts from a large corpus of authentic communication from Scandinavia. Various aspects of a comprehensive model of semicommunication are presented and discussed, showing code switching and accommodation are not considered antagonistic but rather as scalar phenomena covering…

Provides a model that explains persistent obstacles to clear communication--notably culture, tradition, conditioning, distractions, and feedback--and suggests means of overcoming them. (JW)

According to this paper, the biggest hazard of a private language (or professional jargon) may not be that it obscures efforts to communicate with those outside the business, but rather that it successfully communicates ideas never intended. The paper explores one bit of "educationese"--"safe space" or "safe place"--and reflects on what language…

Two broad issues in the international teaching of English as a second language are discussed: the language standard to be taught (i.e., British, North American, Canadian, Australian, or some other native form), and mutual intelligibility as a principle by which to teach English. It is proposed that while language models are necessary for the…

Analyzes W. Barnett Pearce's "Coordinated Management of Meaning" theory--finding philosophical flaws and equivocations inherent in the model proposed within the theory. Argues that by making all the terms of their hierarchy conform to the notion of "episodic" communication, Pearce reintroduces basic errors about the nature of…

A discussion of the need to promote mutual comprehension among speakers of Romance languages describes one university program in France and looks at the possibility of extending multilanguage instruction to secondary education. The potential, and problems, of trying to teach students listening comprehension in several related languages are…

A case study examined the classroom behavior of a third grader named Andrea. Andrea's lips moved but no response could be heard. Because Andrea was an appealing child, her lack of oral communication became a challenge for her teacher. Members of the Educators Forum supported feelings that Andrea needed to be helped to use oral language. An…

In every advanced culture, there exists some kind of understanding between a profession and the people it serves. In the case of mass communication, such an understanding is for the most part an informal compact whose terms are understood more or less tacitly. As the terms of this agreement are renegotiated from time to time--disagreements…

Mutual understanding and the strengthening of ties among the higher education systems of different countries depends largely on overcoming language barriers, and the national and international standardization of terminology would help in that process. (MSE)