Investigated first language influence (L1) on second language (L2) argument structure. In such a situation, a partial fit between the L1 and the L2 may trigger L1 transfer. Tested such predictions by investigating whether Japanese speakers can recognize the directional reading of English manner-of-motion verbs with locational-directional…

Shows how language processing is intimately tuned to input frequency. Examples are given of frequency effects in the processing of phonology, phonotactics, reading, spelling, lexis, morphosyntax, formulaic language, language comprehension, grammaticality, sentence production, and syntax. (Author/VWL)

Considers the proposed developmental sequence of formula>low-scope>pattern>construction in the emergence of future expression in a longitudinal study of adult learners of English as a Second Language. Findings suggest that the use of formulaic expressions may be subject to individual variation and that learners may use formulaic…

Investigated processing of English wh-questions by native speakers of English and advanced Chinese, German, and Korean learners of English as a Second Language. Performance was evaluated in relation to parsing strategies and sensitivity to plausibility constraints. Results suggest native and nonnative speakers employ similar strategies in…

Provides an overview of recent advances in research on motivation to learn a foreign or second language (L2) and to create the theoretical context of the articles contained in this special issue of the journal. (Author/VWL)

Presents a constructivist rationale for introducing virtual reality in language learning and teaching and describes various virtual reality environments that are available. Ways of implementing constuctivist learning through virtual reality are suggested as well as basic guidelines for successful implementation in the classroom. (Author/VWL)

Essay revisions by four advanced ESL writers with differing first languages were analyzed for specific discourse and linguistic features. The results suggest that such writers often utilize a single system of revision across languages but are capable of adapting some processes to new problems imposed by the second language. (28 references)…

Discusses a research project designed by the Italian National Research Council to establish a historical databank of the Italian legal language from its beginning in 960 AD to the present. Outlines processing techniques and problems. Describes specific computer software employed. Seeks to create an information system that retains the richness of…

Attempts to look at the question of selection and sequencing in light of recent research into the nature of spoken English. Specifically, it is argued that a lexical metasyllabus based on statistical regularities in spoken and written language would be a useful tool to curriculum designers. (Author/VWL)

Analysis of college students' interpretation of sex-indefinite paragraphs using the generic he, he or she, or they found that men, regardless of pronoun and their personal use of gender-indefinite pronouns, interpreted more male and fewer female referents than women. (64 references) (Author/CB)

Reviews the literature on the role of background knowledge in second-language listening comprehension, presents findings of pertinent first- and second-language research, and reports on a study showing the importance of schemata in second-language listening comprehension and the role of linguistic knowledge. (34 references) (Author/CB)

Addresses one aspect of English usage by Yoruba speakers of English as a Second Language in Nigeria, and analyzes the meanings of English kinship terms as used by educated Yoruba speakers in relation to specific sociocultural contexts of the Yoruba environment. (Author/VWL)

Critically reviews selected research on the learning of English by Chinese speakers, focusing on the difficulties they experience and the variables determining their language learning success. Topics explored include phonology, morphology and syntax, typological transfer hypotheses, analysis of written and spoken discourse, and reading. A list of…

Discussions and critiques are provided of reading research from the perspective of second-language acquisition; they include theoretical advances, the role of schemata, native language reading ability and second language proficiency, cognitive strategies and metacognition, and reading research methods and assessments. (112 references) (GLR)

Analysis of the performance of beginning American Sign Language students, who had only recently learned the manual alphabet, on a task in which proactive interference would build up rapidly on successive trials, supported the view that different languages have separate memory stores. (Author/CB)