The achievement of labeling was investigated in a longitudinal study of one mother-infant dyad, using video-recordings and analysis of joint picture-book reading. Participating in a ritualized dialogue, rather than imitation, was found to be the major mechanism through which labeling was achieved. (Author/SW)

Compared were verbal and nonverbal interactions between 10 mothers and their Down's syndrome infants and 10 mothers and their nonretarded infants. (Author/CL)

The Bliss symbol nonverbal communication system, based on a logical visual language, is described; the use of Blissymbolics to provide functional communication for nonverbal cerebral-palsied children is explained; and areas for future application and development of the system are suggested. (Author/IM)

In standard listening-speaking situations, non-verbal clues are normally used. These clues complement speech; they give added information about the speaker; and they probably have different meanings in different cultures. Therefore two types of listening situations should be tested: hearing only, and hearing and seeing. (AMH)

The visual behavior of teacher-pupil pairs during a cooperative learning task is studied by describing teacher-pupil visual behavior; checking whether cultural variations in gaze or differences attributable to sex could be observed; checking whether variations in gaze were a function of linguistic competence, rather than cultural mores; and…

The value of visual literacy, the ability to recognize and interpret natural and manmade symbols, to a student of foreign language is stressed. Three groups of nonverbal signs--kinesic elements, environmental elements, and objects invested with a special meaning--are discussed, and methods for teaching visual literacy described. (RM)

Two areas in which language laboratory programs can be improved--training teachers in nonverbal aspects of communication and maintenance of an adequate supply of taped materials--are discussed. (RM)

Many current school problems arise from a desiccated sense of institutional purpose that fosters student and teacher alienation. A regeneration rather than reform is in order. This essay mixes research findings, personal concerns, and individual speculations to provide educators an entry point for further discussion regarding the moral life of…

Examines whether three-month-old infants can detect variations within the single expression category of smiling and whether individual differences in infants' sensitivities are related to identifiable mother or infant behaviors. (HOD)

Current research concerning affective development in infants and children is selectively reviewed. The focus of findings and discussion is on three general and related topics: (1) expression of emotion and affective interaction in infancy; (2) socialization and regulation of emotion; (3) comprehension of emotions and empathy with others by…

In the four studies reported, facial expressions of emotion are considered to be not merely responses indicative of internal states; they are also stimulus patterns that regulate the behavior of others. Results indicated that one-year-old infants seek out and use maternal facial expressions to monitor behavior. (Author/DST)

In order to determine how use of responsive listener cues (e.g. head nods, yesses, smiles, etc.) changes over preschool years, children were videorecorded as they listened to an adult speaker talk about his experiences. Age and sex differences in preschoolers' responsive behaviors are discussed as well as the relationship between the development…

Investigated whether abused and neglected children differ from other children in their nonverbal attachment and communicative behavior. Found that in comparison (1) abused children avoided contact and interaction and (2) abused females exhibited more avoidance than males. (PD)

Stresses that learning to understand and speak a foreign language is the acquisition of a skill, not of a system of abstract knowledge. Primary objective is understanding through a receptive, semantic approach, which incorporates rising expectancy level, discrepency feedback levels, and confidence in later speech production. Suggests incorporating…

Study indicates that hearing impaired residential students are more proficient users of American Sign Language than are hearing impaired children enrolled in local, public school programs, and older such residential students are more proficient in the language than are younger students. (SL)