Discusses the theory that the second-language processing of subordinate clauses and of anaphora is affected by the basic word order of a learners native language. This phenomenon, believed to be a prediction of universal grammar, is explored. (54 references) (Author/VWL)

Examination of accidental CVC and CV correspondences among languages representing 5 large families of agglutinative languages found that comparison pairs had much more similarity between basic 100-word vocabularies than would have been possible by mere chance, supporting the hypothesis that those 5 language families were mutually related.…

Gives an account of the origin and development of the Russian language as it relates to the cultural history and nationalism of various Slavic groups. (90 references) (Author/OD)

Research is an important activity for second-language educators because it ultimately improves teaching abilities. Unfortunately recent trends in research have resulted in narrow perspectives, increased jargon, and esoteric subject matter. The goal of second-language research should be increasing communication and knowledge throughout the…

Examines the syntactic and stylistic features of an emergent phenomenon called Interactive Written Discourse (IWD), the written language occurring in simultaneous terminal-to-terminal typed dialogues. Finds that IWD is a naturally occurring register and a hybrid language variety, displaying characteristics of both oral and written language. Notes…

In the absence of a comprehensive theory of the spoken language, the exploration of dynamic phonotactics--of actual running speech--can contribute to the understanding of oral language properties. Information based on spoken language data may also have fundamental implications for second-language learning. (24 references) (Author/VWL)

Investigates the pragmatic functions of topicalizing subject (S) and object (O) in Standard Arabic and attempts to find a functional explanation for the occasional preposing/topicalization of S and/or O over the verb (V) to yield a construction in the form of SVO order or any other order sanctioned by the rules of Arabic grammar. (22 references)…

It is suggested that the most widely-known estimate of English speech rates, based on the speech of radio announcers, and a comparison of English and French radio announcer speech rates do not represent a truly standard range of speech rates. An alternative range is proposed. (Author/MSE)

Discusses views of English as a second language (ESL) proficient adolescent non-native males in Great Britain toward language proficiency, explores possible educational implications of these attitudes, and suggests further research topics needed to improve ESL instructional goals and methods in British schools. (Author/CB)

A series on language teaching and learning for teachers includes books on the following topics: (1) psycholinguistics (Titone); (2) the role of the brain in language acquisition (Danesi); (3) the creative language of children (Crema & De Robertis); and (4) suggestopedia (Lozanov & Gateva). (CFM)

A review of the progress made in incorporating computers in second language study focuses on benefits of computer use, software problems, authoring systems, research on instructional effectiveness, and remaining areas to be addressed. (45 references) (CB)

Demonstrates code mixing as a cross-cultural phenomenon and mark of modernization. Three points are considered: the functional uses of code mixing, attitudes toward code mixing, and language change as a result of code mixing. (27 references) (Author/OD)

A distinction is drawn between representational and processing models of second-language acquisition. The first approach is derived primarily from linguistics, the second from psychology. Both fields, it is argued, need to collaborate more fully, overcoming disciplinary narrowness in order to achieve more fruitful research. (GLR)

Discusses three research/testing interfaces in second-language (L2) testing: the covariance structure analysis of ex post facto correlational data, the qualitative investigation of test-taking processes, and the development of L2 assessment instruments based on developmental sequences in L2 acquisition. (61 references) (GLR)

A review of research and theory on the structure of signed and spoken languages explores the relationship between the two language types and how the study of signed languages can inform researchers about the human capacity for language. (29 references) (CB)