Defines the practical functions of various types of grammars, and theoretical functions of linguistic grammars. Points out some differences between the two (stressing contrast between native and foreign languages), as well as differences in defining, finality, or variation of categories, and in psycho- and sociolinguistic components. (IFS/WGA)

Reviews current research to investigate the way the power and politics of genre is often exploited by the so-called established membership of disciplinary communities to keep outsiders at a safe distance. Argues that the privilege to exploit generic conventions to create new forms becomes available only to those few enjoying a certain degree of…

Discusses how the terms, "discourse,""education," and "identity," are interwoven in the collection of papers in this issue as well as how, as theoretical constructs, they are differently inflected within individual papers. The article points out that all the papers engage with both the micro- and macro-levels of analysis. (8 references) (Author/CK)

Research on classroom questioning by teachers is reviewed from a sociolinguistic perspective, focusing on context, content, and responses and reactions by speakers. It is argued that research on questioning has generally failed to recognize that classroom questions represent mutual constructions of teachers and students, rather than solely teacher…

This paper sets out to review current approaches to world Englishes from a range of perspectives, from English studies to sociolinguistics, applied linguistics, lexicography, popularizers and critical linguistics. It then proceeds to consider current debates on English worldwide and world Englishes, noting the recent criticisms of the world…

As the field of sociolinguistics has emerged, its terminology, which like many other emerging disciplines contains many neologisms and new usages, has sometimes been called insensitive. This reaction may interfere with serious examination of the field's content. Areas of disagreement or dispute include terms used for the speech of black…

The author differentiates eight types of verbal communication: (1) Socioeconomic, (2) Domestic, (3) Professional, (4) Sociocultural, (5) Public, (6) Legal-Administrative, (7) Recreational, (8) Entertaining. (HK)

The desirability of learning the foreign civilization in conjunction with learning a foreign language is discussed, and an approach to civilization study to be incorporated in foreign language study is set out. (RM)

"African French" exists because linguists are beginning to describe it. This discussion, intended for teachers of French, focuses on its linguistic and sociological bases. Pedagogical implications for the French class in Africa and for foreign language classes elsewhere are discussed. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Examines ways to overcome the skills approach to reading instruction. Shows how to adapt typical skills lessons for use as strategy lessons based on a socio- and psycholinguistic model of reading. Presents two adapatations of skills lessons. (FL)

Examines the relationship between linguistic theory and pedagogic practices in the teaching of French at the elementary school level. Discusses two trends emerging from current literature, one denouncing the remoteness of linguistic theory from psychological research findings, the other focusing on the teaching process and its need for theoretical…

The relevance of anthropological theory, methodology, and literature to language teaching is discussed. It is argued that culture should be taught explicitly in the language classroom, and that the anthropological theory of cultural relativity is useful in creating a judgment-free atmosphere. (Author/RM)

Utilizes genre theory to illuminate issues of debate in theme-based English for Academic Purposes (EAP) pedagogy, including program goals and course design and content. The article argues that EAP instructors cannot teach students skills required for all their future content courses, but can impart strategies to cope with community expectations.…

In its life-time, the profession of language teaching has undergone many changes. Early attempts at language teaching almost entirely lacked a theory base. In the 20th century, however, two sets of language teaching methods emerged; the first set borrowed theories from psychology, linguistics, and sociolinguistics whereas the second set was based…

In this chapter, the authors aim to review recent, sociocultural studies of classroom-based research in science education in light of a sample of practice-based research within the field of science studies. They provide a framework for examining the discipline of science that can also be useful for assessing its impact on students. The framework…