Eight general principles are postulated by which immigrants adapt dialectologically to their new surroundings, based mainly on results of a developmental study of six Canadian youngsters in two families who moved to southern England, with supporting evidence from several other studies. (52 references) (Author/LB)

Provides a definition of a conversation and states that all conversations are either spontaneous or specific. Each conversational situation consists of a text, nonverbal communication, and turn taking. Any conversation contains an opening preparation, orientation, topic or object, conclusion, and end. A short bibliography is provided. (25…

Examination of two sections of Benedetto Varchi's sixteenth-century document on Italian language usage reveals an uncommon appreciation for living usage, recognition of common linguistic practice, and a significantly greater awareness of social differentiation than that typically reflected in other sixteenth-century manuscripts. (31 references)…

Objective/subjective and qualitative/quantitative aspects of vitality in Solvang, a Danish-American community in California, are analyzed by ethnographic-like means. The setting represents a radical transformation from a fulfilling Grundtvigian community life to one that attracts tourists with a Danish facade. (52 references) (Author/LB)

In an examination of patterns of cohesion devices in conversations, this study measured variances in high- and low-competent communicators. It demonstrates that the cohesive strategies exhibit differences attributable to the cognitive models that speakers use to hold information "in focus" and thereby establish meaning. (Contains 38 references.)…

Investigates persuasion as a sociolinguistic phenomenon in Jordan. This study focuses on three main modes of persuasion and explores attitudes toward factors contributing to persuasion success. Devices such as the Quranic verses, the Traditions, wisdoms and proverbs, as well as trustworthiness, are crucial in influencing listener beliefs. (50…

An analysis of gender differences in the use of compliments in one genre of written discourse is presented based on a set of 47 peer reviews of academic papers written by graduate students in the form of letters. Women are found to make greater use of compliment intensifiers and personal referencing than are men. (49 references) (Author/LB)

Examines three perspectives on native and second language learning, attempting to integrate ideas from psychology, sociolinguistics, and linguistics into contemporary developments in language pedagogy and syllabus design, and giving special attention to such areas as socialization, self-regulation, and the role of school language programs. (95…

A theoretical framework for conceptualizing different kinds of language rights and for construing the nature of the tension between them is discussed. Differences between individual and communal language rights are examined, and the latter are suggested to have sound moral foundations. Examples are drawn from Canada. (19 references) (Author/LB)

The typology of planned languages, the number of such linguistic projects, and the most commonly used morphemes for these created languages are discussed. A total of 11 morpheme types are identified. (14 references) (Author/LB)

Outlines the principle teaching methodologies to come out of Great Britain in the last 15 years and their recommendations for teaching literature. Although six different approaches are described, all place emphasis on the importance of linguistics as a tool in appreciating and gaining an in-depth understanding of literature. (LET)

A European perspective on multicultural education is presented that focuses on demographic/geopolitical, public policy, and sociolinguistic dimensions, and the intercultural hypothesis. "Positive discrimination" and sociological insertion are also discussed, along with implications for America. (29 references) (LB)

The applicability of the notion of "speech community" in urban centers where considerable dialect mixing takes place is discussed. Labov's model is examined and four speech community criteria are emphasized: nativeness of speech community members, uniform patterns of linguistic variation, shared evaluation of features, and close…

Extends James Heap's sociologically based viewpoint regarding reading as a cultural activity. Focuses on two neglected topics: the relationship of written and oral texts; and intertextuality uses regarding the range of texts encountered in everyday life. Heap's texts have too much autonomy; the reader is just as vital as the text. (13 references)…

Explores the correlation between notions of sacred language and territory in the ideology of a present-day Ultraorthodox Jewish group. Three cases were found that demonstrated a parallel between linguistic and territorial ideology, and point to an intrinsic link demonstrating an ongoing, active ideological tie, rather than a set of worn, petrified…