Considers the frequently indefinable distinctions between descriptive and prescriptive English grammars, using examples of standard English and dialects to illustrate the uses of each. (Author/CB)

First examines German modal verbs with respect to multiple meanings and synonymy, finding that "implications," especially presuppositions, account for important differences in their uses. The same approach is used on French modals. Common features and differences are studied, and typical errors are predicted and classified. (Text is in…

This article discusses the pluralization of surnames in Spanish. (Text is in Spanish.) (CLK)

This article discusses various definitions and uses of the Spanish verb "to contemplate." (Text is in Spanish.) (CLK)

This article maintains that linguistic generalizations are likely to be invalid when they are based on data whose synchronic status is not well-defined. An example is made of the universal principles of grammatical rule ordering proposed in a 1974 study by Koutsoudas, Sanders, and Noll. (CLK)

Schools stopped teaching any grammatical system some time ago, as they probably should have. But the schools also, at the same time, stopped teaching grammatical terminology, a mistake which has had lasting consequences. Students need to be told what "infinitive,""preposition,""case," and "predicate…

Analyzes some common sex biases in everyday language and changes in the meanings of words over a period of time. (RB)

Urges that a distinction between "grammatical knowledge" and "grammatical description" be maintained in every aspect of language instruction and in preparation of instructional materials. (RL)

Continuation of an article begun in Deutsch als Fremdsprache,'' v9 n6 1972. (RS)

Revised version of a paper read at the Canadian Linguistic Association, Montreal, Quebec, May 1972. (RS)