Shows that a phonological description that recognizes the functional variety of phonological rules is more illuminating than one in which data are handled merely as the output of a set of completely undifferentiated processes. Emphasizes the value of distinguishing motivated and unmotivated processes in phonology. (Author/RM)

In a response to Philip Carr's discussion of the status of character of the Scottish Vowel-Length Rule (SVLR), this paper presents a proposal concerning the status of stem and base variation conditioned purely by morphological categories. It suggests that SVLR is precyclic only and non-structure changing. (Contains 19 references.) (LB)

Suggests that stylistic variation should be used by linguistis in their search for linguistic structure. (AM)

Critiques Carstair's Paradigm Economy Principle (PEP) with regard to historical linguistics. The principle "one form, one meaning" (OFOM) is contrasted with PEP as providing a more satisfactory explanation for occurrences of morphological change. Latin and Maori paradigms are used as examples. (Author/LMO)

Challenges the descriptive linguist to tackle the problem of Educated Spoken Arabic and its regional varieties, in particular in regard to aspect and the participle. (AM)

Discusses analogical change in word structure where meaning seems to have had a role in determining the direction of the change. Many examples are given of pairs of British place names and other English words of various origins. A few examples are included from other languages. (Author/LMO)