The Arabic language used in Egypt is traditionally divided into two major types: classical and colloquial. The idea is that classical or literary Arabic is to be found mostly in formal writing and speaking, whereas colloquial Arabic is used mainly in daily conversation. When it comes to actual usage, however, this distinction is not always clearly…

An analysis is presented of an electronic mail conversation that took place in a Finnish scholarly electronic mailing list. The data is analyzed within the framework of systemic-functional oriented discourse and the theory of register, which attempts to explain the ways language use varies according to the type of situation. The electronic media…

This paper argues that verbal language plays a mediating role in the development of musical thinking. Two excerpts from the transcripts of conducting students' practica are interpreted. The verbal language that student conductors use during their rehearsals is a path to their musical thinking. Lev Vygotsky's social psychological theory of language…

This Powerpoint presentation argues that the problems encountered in implementing African-centered curriculum into the university composition classroom attest to the need for African centered education in kindergarten through university level educational institutions. The solution of the problem of African American students' disproportionate…

People have strong ideas about children growing up with a second or third language. These ideas influence how they look at other people's children, and influence how professionals such as teachers, doctors, and speech therapists advise parents of children growing up bilingually. This digest seeks to dispel some of the myths about children growing…

A study investigated the role of audience awareness in translation of lexical items, specifically as it may affect translation from English to Chinese. The audiences, or readership, in this case is defined as readers from three different regions in which Chinese is used predominantly: Hong Kong; mainland China; and Taiwan. The varieties of Chinese…

This guide is meant to aid teachers and parents with explanations and activities that they can use to help students understand and clarify their use of English. The guide discusses, for example: how language develops and grows; how to use a dictionary to answer questions; how words have formed in the past and continue to form; changing the content…

One of the purposes for providing children with multiethnic books is to promote acceptance of diversity, yet the results of this exposure have rarely been empirically studied. The purpose of this study was to explore the story-related topics of discussion initiated by eleven 4- and 5-year-olds as they used multiethnic books during small group…

Differential item functioning (DIF) occurs when the responses of students with approximately equal ability differ systematically based on their group membership. Idaho contracted with the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) to provide the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests of reading, language arts and mathematics at grades 4, 8 and 10. The…

This statistical report presents the results of performance on the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) by Special Programs. Statistics from each school district in the state of Idaho are included. The subjects of Reading, Language Usage, and Mathematics are covered. Special programs discussed include: Economically Disadvantaged; Limited…

Discusses the misuse of language by business, military, and political interests, suggesting that teachers must lead the fight against unsound logic and corrupted language as presented to the public through the mass media. (RB)

Paper presented at the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Convention, Washington, D.C., February 1972. (DD)

Black English is a not substandard white English. Black children should not be forced to give up their childhood language but should learn standard English as a second language. (2 references) (DH)