The book represents oral communication as a wide spectrum of speech events ranging from daily perfunctory comments to highly structured, formal speeches. The introductory chapter summarizes various approaches to the study of the communication process. The subsequent chapters present: (1) elements of communication language structure, language…

This article investigates a specific foreign language (FL) learning problem, the substitution of /s,z/ for English unvoiced and voiced "th" by native speakers of Egyptian Arabic, and concludes that the facts are better explained in terms of language transfer than by an explanation in terms of inherent difficulty independent of native…

This paper discusses the results of part of an ongoing project studying an aspect of real world language usage, the comprehension of standard jury instructions. Problems in the comprehension of these instructions include the memory load that they impose, the fact that most instructions are read only once, and the fact that instructions are written…

Ten contributors provide extensive bibliographic essays on topics of importance in the teaching of college composition. Works cited and commented upon range from those of Aristotle to the contributions of contemporary scholars. Separate essays deal with invention, structure and form in nonfiction prose, approaches to the study of style, modes of…

The purposes of this handbook are to assist teachers in examining a number of concerns regarding the expression of sexism in language and literature and to provide some suggestions for coping with these problems in the classroom. The first section, devoted to language, considers stereotyping and role expectations, as well as the following areas of…

Concerned with college students' written composition and their understanding of English grammar, usage, and mechanics, this book is based on the beliefs that society is clearly class structured, that representatives of all classes attend various kinds of colleges, that society is responsible for each of these students, and that this obligation…

This paper reviews three studies designed to assess the impact of gender-related terms. The first study examined 144 male and female undergraduate students' preferences for and performance on tasks using alternatives to the standard English forms, "his/hers" and "him/her." The second study attempted to replicate the original study and to prove…

The discoveries of theoretical linguistics could aid teachers in explaining such usages as "well,""sort of," sex link uses, and forms marking levels of politeness. Conversely, there is much about second language learning that theoretical linguistics could learn from applied linguistics. (Author/KM)

This is a slightly abbreviated version of part of a report commissioned at the end of 1995 by the Queensland Department of Education, Peninsula Region, and carried out with the help of teachers at Thursday Island State High School. It analyses some formal language differences between written Standard Australian English and spoken Torres Strait…

This article examines "ty" and "vy" usage in contemporary Soviet Russian by way of contrastive analysis with pronoun usage in English. The importance of understanding the cultural implications of the Russian pronouns is stressed. (CLK)

Proposes a "situation typology" for foreign language teaching, based on social-psychological research. Offers samples of English dialogue. Shows the need for analysis and classification of everyday situations, for use in foreign language teaching. (IFS/WGA)

Presents a unit in communication that utilizes poster advertisements, taped scripts, puppet shows, and commercials to teach good gramar. (MAI)

Reports on the "English Usage Test" (EUT), which not only helps students recognize and correct their language weaknesses, but also helps the communications department stabilize enrollment with elements of quality as well as quantity. (RL)

Discusses the implications for changes in linguistic theory, especially regarding sociolinguistics, for the teaching and learning of English as a second language. Advises language teachers to use common sense in adapting or reacting to the theoretical changes affecting language instruction. (RL)

Offers alternatives to sexist language, with related learning activities, which business communication instructors can use to promote affirmative action writing. (RL)