Responds to a reanalysis of study findings that refute the claim that negative evidence can lead to parameter setting in second-language acquisition, presenting empirical evidence from French learners of English, suggesting that positive second-language acquisition data do not guarantee the loss of native language parameter settings. (26…

Examines the resilience of small languages in the face of larger ones. Highlights include the concept of one dominant language, such as Esperanto; the threat of television to small visual-language societies; the power of visual media; man's relationship to language; and the resilience of language. (LRW)

Multiple regression analysis is discussed as useful for studying the effect of a variable while controlling for the effects of others and for estimating the total effect of all predictor variables together. It is suggested that in English-as-a-Second-Language proficiency measurement, regression coefficients should not be the basis for judging…

Examines the phenomenon of semantic change with regard to color categories in closely related Mayan languages (Tzetal and Tzotzil) associated with radically different social milieux. It is argued that, although a model of individual cognition explains how color categories change at the basic level, a social model accounts for differences between…

Two types of verbal-report data (concurrent and retrospective) and four major introspective methods used in second-language research (L2) (thinking-aloud, questionnaires, interviews, diary-keeping) are described in a discussion of introspective L2 research studies. It is argued that, though incomplete, verbal reports from informant-learners offer…

Presents data from a study of 12-year-old English-as-a-Second-Language students in metropolitan Toronto and their significantly unsatisfactory educational development in language and literacy skills. Discusses implications of these findings, particularly with regard to educational change to help marginalized student groups. Finds that ESL students…

Describes political definitions and forms of power in the modern era. Discusses echoes lingering from the collision between early American linguistics and the late black rebellion against racism. Argues that, despite hopes of attaining democracy through language, there remains little democracy in language. (HB)

Studies student interpreters in the Master's Translation Program at Yarmouk University in Jordan. Analyzes the difficulties of these students, particularly regarding lexical competence, when interpreting from Arabic to English, emphasizing the need to teach lexicon all through interpreting programs. (HB)

Investigates the verbal language experiences and early literacy learning of three prelingually, profoundly deaf preschool children across home and school contexts. Finds that, despite receptive language delay, all three children demonstrated knowledge and understanding of written language that were developmentally appropriate. Supports the theory…

This paper outlines the degree to which age and verb vocabulary size are predictive of changes in the reported usage of English verbs that are irregular in their past tense form in a sample of more than 1,000 children. (Contains 40 references.) (JL)

Infants were followed longitudinally from 1;2 to 1;10. Parents maintained a journal of child's spoken words and, at 2-month intervals, completed representative checklist of words produced. Results suggest that the diary method is more effective during early emergence of language, and the representative checklist method is more effective late in…

This paper offers some partial identifications of the communicative functions of Tarahumara alternations and underscores their implications for a cognitive phonology. (Contains 17 references.) (JL)

Controversies surrounding approaches to language revival could be reduced if a clear distinction were recognized between two possible goals of language revival: the process of restoration and the process of transformation. A survey of methods adopted by various revivalists supports the conclusion that achieving transformation is more likely.…

Describes the student model of an intelligent computer-assisted language learning (CALL) system that is based on current theories in the field of second-language acquisition. Highlights include acquisition order of the target rules; language learning strategies; language transfer; language awareness; and student reactions. (Contains seven…

Followup to earlier report that focused on initial uses of first 10 words produced by 4 children is presented. Results of analysis of subsequent use of these 40 words is presented. Findings indicate that the role of linguistic input in early lexical development may decline sharply once a child has established initial uses for words. (24…