Normative data for 198 urban children (four to eight years old) who speak Black American English (BAE) were obtained on the Test of Language Development. Results revealed speakers of BAE differed significantly in performance from children on whom test was standardized. Difference in performance was reflected in overall test scores and in…

Reviews conclusions from research papers prepared for the National Institute of Mental Health Report, Television and Behavior (referred to as the Update). The two-volume Update summarizes research findings of the past 10 years dealing with the effects of television viewing on its audience, particularly children. (JJD)

Examines an aspect of colloquial American English in which linguistics and area studies are involved. Analyzes typical errors which lead to misunderstandings and discusses in detail the use of the expressions "excuse me" and "I'm sorry." (IFS/WGA)

Fifty-eight African American children (grades 4-6) responded to the Test of Core Knowledge, a divergent task that required free associations about mainstream and African American topics. Participants' knowledge of both mainstream and African American cultural items increased significantly between grades 4 and 5. (Contains references.) (CR)

Examines the processes and interpretations underlying communication in English between Island Puerto Ricans and continental Americans. The article views cross-cultural communication through a lens incorporating the way members of each group interpret their own language and behavior as well as those of the other group. (50 references) (CK)

Contrasts the working life of the U.S. cowboy with the whitewashed myth promulgated throughout the media. Discovers some parallels between the nomadic loner embodying an individual code of honor and the Hollywood representation. Discusses the genesis of "the singing cowboy" and includes examples of the actual early ballads. (MJP)

Urges the frank examination of painful episodes in Western and other open societies' recent history to achieve glasnost and historical honesty. Cites the Klaus Barbie trial and the accompanying embarrassment for both France and the United States. Points out distortion in Japanese textbooks on the pre- and World War II years and in U.S. textbooks…

Reviews materials from history, anthropology, art, and journalism related Canada's aboriginal peoples. Uses a regional geography approach to present information. Includes an extensive annotated bibliography of resources for classroom teachers. (CFR)

Presents two puzzles that can be used in the classroom for teaching Canadian history during the world wars. Includes a word find puzzle and a crossword puzzle. Explains that both puzzles include names of major battles, significant events, and personalities from Canada's wartime history. (DK)

Today's fear that English is losing ground to the languages of recent immigrants parallels similar reactions throughout U.S. history. Traces historical moves to establish English as the official language and the development of bilingual education. Concludes that, although legislating of language use is nearly impossible, English as the unofficial…

Reports on a field trip by secondary school history students to Fort Malden National Historic Site in Canada. Describes the use of primary sources and battlefield sites to help students understand historical perspective and interpretation. Includes discussion questions for students and recommendations for implementation. (CFR)

Explores the first phase of juvenile emigration from Britain to the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries. Finds eerie parallels with the last phase of this British social policy in the 1960s as has been discussed in the media during recent years. (SD)

Discusses one teacher's experience teaching English to Russian students at Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University. Describes an approach to teaching American English through literature using a dialogic method called "town meetings."(Author/VWL)

Profiles Alfred A. Knopf, his wife Blanche, and the publishing empire they created. Beginning in 1915, Knopf Inc. established a reputation for intellectual integrity, eventually including the works of 35 Pulitzer Prize winners and 18 Nobel laureates. Knopf often led the publishing industry in book design and literary tastes. (MJP)

The purpose of this paper is to share findings and reflections arising from an AUA study visit of the US and Canada in 2002. It explores how e-learning, i.e. computer-mediated teaching and learning, is changing higher education in North America. How do they see the future? What strategies are being developed for managing online learning and…