A discussion of social factors in language usage in the framework of sociolinguistics as defined by Labov. Some topics considered are: language as social practice, elements of a socio-differential phonology of /r/, variation in formal style, and an outline of a sociology of variation. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

The nonuse of slang terms for cash among British bank and building society cashiers is noted and an explanation sought in the field of social control. The possible relevance of the Whorfian hypothesis is explored, and it is suggested that the in-house terms discussed have social, psychological and representational functions. (Author/CB)

A sociolinguistic approach and ethnographic information are essential to the development of successful French native language instruction in Alberta and other francophone minority settings in Canada. Teachers should develop an appreciation of the local French and the sociocultural context to enhance students' motivation to learn and maintain their…

The author discusses sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic aspects of literacy education to immigrant children. Covers policies that authorities can follow with regard to literacy and the instruction models following from these policies. Presents arguments for bilingual literacy instruction. Gives a perspective of literacy education for immigrant…

Although "Received Pronunciation" (RP) has been recommended for years as the most suitable form of British English for first and second language instruction, it is not easiest nor most appropriate accent for foreigners to learn. Linguists, phoneticians, and teachers should overcome their fascination with the accent of elite minority and…

The prosodic features of maternal speech to infants were measured quantitatively in a tonal language, Mandarin Chinese, to determine whether the features were similar to those observed in nontonal languages such as English and German. The pattern of results for Mandarin motherese was similar to that reported for other languages. (PCB)

The Reporter's Test (DeRenzi and Ferrari, 1978), which investigates the expressive abilities of aphasics, is proven to be useful, through its use in two studies of features of Welsh, for sociolinguists studying language features. The test has great capacity for predicting syntactic forms and eliciting casual styles of speech. (Author/CB)

People in a shopping mall were asked to read a paragraph about an achieving woman given the title Miss, Mrs., Ms., or not given a title. Readers of Ms titled paragraph rated her less honest. No effects obtained for other rating dimensions. Results may indicate public acceptance of Ms title. (MCK)

Argues in favor of introducing the informal style before the formal style in general Japanese language courses. Presents the pedagogical arguments under three headings: sociolinguistic, linguistic, and psycholinguistic. Suggests that the learning sequence should be (1) simple "futsuutai" sentences; (2) complex "futsuutai" sentences; and (3)…

Discusses various problems concerning the island of Corsica, including economic decline, underdevelopment, emigration, and insularity--all problems which have affected and influenced its linguistic and cultural identity, as well. The dynamics of Corsican relations with the new, socialist France are questioned in reference to a hoped for…

Kindergarten children were observed in a classroom situation to discover communicative competence in the sociolinguistic area. These children demonstrated competency in awareness of regularities in use of language in the classroom, ability to publicize confusions, and variations in ways of speaking. (DF)

Reviews research on the psycholinguistic processes underlying second-language learning, especially as it relates to the concept of interlanguage and the contributions made by sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and cognitive psychology. (MSE)

Attempts to explain the lack of the personal infinitive in Spanish even though such a construction exists in Portuguese. It is maintained that its use in Portuguese is one of personal style, and it is not needed nor required, as evidenced by the linguistic varieties present in the different socio-economic levels of Brazilian speech. (SL)

Discusses two opposing sociolinguistic theories, the Whorfian hypothesis and diglossia, which in turn help to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the sociolinguistic field, a field characterised by varied and ideological differences. One solution suggested for this kind of sectarian behavior is to build methodological diversity into the…

Presents theory of "audience design" which assumes that speakers design their style of talk for their audience, and examines how speakers do this. Also examines the effects on style shift of nonpersonal factors (such as topic and setting) and of referees (the class of persons with whom the speaker identifies). (SED)