Argues that the use of thanks in closing conversations reflects not only situational parameters but also local concerns of conversational management. Analysis of naturally occurring data from English and Italian service encounters suggests that cross-cultural differences in closings may be in part the result of differences in the preferred…

Two experiments assessed the performance of subjects on prefixed nonwords resulting from the incorrect combination of a prefix and a real word in Italian. The results support the view that prefixes may be represented as units of access or representation in the mental lexicon. (41 references) (MDM)

Incompleteness of competence--lack of command of certain second-language (L2) aspects--and divergence--interlanguage representations of L2 properties different from native representations--are distinct states of grammatical competence, as seen in French and English speakers of Italian (L2). Discussion argues that competence differences reflect…

This study explores the spontaneous acquisition of Italian inflectional morphology by three children. Longitudinal, free speech samples are examined, focusing on the development of the morphological paradigms of Italian verbs, pronouns, and articles. (80 references) (JL)

Four experiments on the acquisition of binding are compared, two conducted with Italian-speaking children and two with English-speaking children. English-speaking children's mastery of pronominal binding is found to lag behind their mastery of binding for anaphors and R-expressions. (61 references) (Author/LB)

Investigates the effectiveness of placing more emphasis on reading in the elementary and intermediate foreign language classroom. Explores approaches to and models of foreign language reading, such as schema theory and content language teaching. Discusses the appropriate point at which to adapt the various strategies. (Author/VWL)

Mnemonic devices summarize and simplify grammar rules, especially when applied to the verb forms found in Romance languages. The article presents two mnemonic devices helpful in summarizing the uses of two verb tenses. These include coining a word to illustrate a rule and projecting irregular verb forms on a Mexican "sombrero." (four references)…

An examination and comparison of reading materials intended for elementary and intermediate Italian second-language instruction looks at these aspects: the role of the "ancillary" reader in language instruction; selecting readers that facilitate achievement of the Standards of Foreign Language Learning; the dichotomy between literary and cultural…

The present study examines the relationship between learner participation and accuracy improvement in the use of some features of standard Italian, which were taught over a period of intensive grammatical instruction in a tertiary classroom setting. The subjects of the study are 60 tertiary learners of L2 Italian from a variety of Italian dialect…

Malta has experienced various linguistic influences over the course of time. Maltese and English are presently the official languages of the island. Nevertheless, Italian was never completely erased from the Maltese linguistic scene and over the past years its popularity has increased considerably because of the influence of Italian television…

Project IMPACT, a magnet bilingual program for Italian-speaking students in New York City, offered in 1981-82 full academic and career programs for 210 students in grades 9-12. The philosophy of bilingual education employed in IMPACT is transitional, and a major goal is to mainstream students within an average of two years. Students receive…

A study of 15 fathers and their 16 sons in an italophone community in Montreal (Canada) focused on the usage of Italian, French, and English in communication between generations and in a variety of activities. Data were drawn from 45 hours of taped conversation in home and work settings, which included 4,848 instances of language contact. Of the…

A brief analysis is made of the teaching of Italian literature in the United States with special reference to course work and language proficiency in the doctoral program. Mention is made of the choice of texts in undergraduate language courses. (Text is in Italian.) (AM)

An examination of some surface differences between quantifier phrases (QP) in standard Italian, Genoese dialect, and French is reported. The analysis makes specific reference to the distribution of empty noun phrase and adjectival phrase categories in SpecN, and uses the concept of inflectional rules. Although details have not yet been worked out,…

When analyzing the question of ehtnic identity, it is crucial to pay attention to oral history and biographical material: ethnicity is not so much a collective phenomenon as an individual one. For example, much has been written about Italian migration to the United States, but the lives of the ordinary immigrants and the rich detail of their…