The historical development of strong and weak definitions of applied linguistics is traced. It is argued that weak definitions do not limit themselves to resolution of second-language teaching problems, potentially address all practical language-related problems, and provide the necessary flexibility for realistic theory and practice of applied…

Describes a study in which an extensive fuzzy boundary was identified within the adult extension of two exemplary object-words, "dog" and "ball." It is argued that there has been an underestimation in previous research of the degree of correspondence that exists between child and adult extension. (33 references) (GLR)

Looks at two sets of complementary experimental data to consider whether listeners can determine the age of a speaker from hearing a voice sample. The experiments conducted involved speech samples from natural conversations; parallel studies were done in the United States, using native speakers and situations and native speakers as experimental…

This article is concerned with the notions of genealogy and continuity in linguistic research. Specifically discussed is the continuity that African linguistics offers to linguistics, focusing on the relationship between Firthian linguistics and current autosegmental and metrical phonology. (42 references) (VWL)

Argues that Jerome Bruner's "Acts of Meaning" (1990), which calls for a "renewed cognitive revolution" for the direction of cognitive psychology research and study, does not sufficiently identify the direction of that journey or the obstacles that need to be removed for a successful journey. (31 references) (CB)

Responds to criticisms about the author's call for a new direction in cognitive psychology research and study and defends the need for new perspectives. (one reference) (CB)

Proposes an alternative model of language comprehension regarding how people understand idioms in which literal meanings are systematically used to constrain the use and variation of conventional idioms and to generate novel idiom variance. Presents three experiments on how people process variant idioms. (SR)

Reflecting on the important works of Alma Sabatini in the area of sexism, her work and those of other Italians is compared with researchers in other countries, particularly the United States, France, and Germany. The Italian language is analyzed, pointing out instances of sexism. (CFM)

A brief review of social constructivism as a general movement and how it has been applied in particular to scientific knowledge precedes a review of investigations into the role language and linguistic activities have in the social construction of knowledge. A 39-citation unannotated bibliography is included. (CB)

The "roadworthiness" of literal meaning is tested in this essay, which involves a review of some influential views of literal meaning and related categories advanced by Searle and other pragmaticists, from the standpoint of integrational linguistics. Implications of an integrational perspective need to be reflected in theorizing about…

Discusses the importance, validity, and implications of the identity thesis that the P600 component of the scalp-recorded event-related potential is identical with the P3b, a domain-general component elicited by improbable task-related events. Explores epistemological complexities of the issue and discusses what the identity thesis does and does…

Reviews recent applied linguistic research on science and language, especially studies conducted during the period between 1990 and 1998. Outlines major changes that have taken place in this area since van Naerssen and Kaplan's 1987 review. (Author/VWL)

Considers issues in interdependence--the micro-macro issue in particular--to be important theoretical matters for future work in language and social interaction. (Author/VWL)

Focuses on the development of conversation analysis (CA) and the recognition it has earned in a number of disciplines, including communication. Suggests that, during the next period of development, CA methods will become more quantitative. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the emergence of language and social interaction as a scholarly field and how the field can improve its impact on members of the general public. Proposed in terms of conversation analysis, suggestions are offered for communicating the benefits to a wider audience. (Author/VWL)