The question of whether apparent similarity of two languages really facilitates the learning process is raised. Linguistic and pedagogical problems involved in the instruction of languages which resemble each other are discussed. (Text is in French.) (TL)

The Gregg shorthand system is founded on formal and theoretical principles originating in the structure of the English language. An analysis of some aspects of the formal code of this system illuminates some interrelationships between the verbal and the written sign. (CHK)

Confirms the hypothesis that individuals with high apprehension of writing encoded significantly less intense messages than did those with low apprehension. (RB)

English classes should develop the use of good English in student compositions, which should in turn influence student morality. (JH)

Discusses two radically opposed theories about written and spoken language. The first states that the written word is the most perfect form of expression. According to the second concept, written language is viewed as the inaccurate translation of spoken language. (Text is in French.) (PMP)

A syntactic density instrument was devised to determine how children use specific syntactic structures in their oral and written language. (JH)

Describes analysis made of the results of candidates in 1973 Mode 1 examination in French of the North Western Secondary School Examinations Board which showed that less able language students performed disproportionately badly on tests of written self-expression. Implications for teacher and examiner are discussed. (RM)

An analysis of non-Arabic words used in two Kuwaiti daily newspapers reveals that (1) the newspapers often use loan words instead of their Arabic equivalents to emphasize that they are discussing something European; (2) the number and frequency of loan words relating to objects of daily use are much greater than those of abstract and technical…

In addition to presenting the results of analyses of written texts from a linguistic perspective, this book proposes productive methods for discourse analysis and identifies new directions for work on written communication. The studies presented in the book illustrate the importance of text linguistics and discourse analysis for research on…

Exploring the question of whether or not each writer has one "authentic voice", this document compared the private voice (as found in a personal journal) and the published voice, as well as these voices with those of other authors. Through the process of searching for the authentic voice, the document arrives at 12 conclusions, including…

The paper summarizes four presentations made by members of the Pennsylvania State University Program for Learning Disabled (LD) students. An initial section considers the definition of LD and reviews a study on diagnosing LD in 12 undergraduates. The existence of a foreign language disability in students with good attitudes toward learning a…

Language planning is official, government-level activity concerning the selection and promotion of a unified administrative language or languages. Language planning initiatives arise in response to sociopolitical needs and attempt to meet those needs by reducing linguistic diversity. Several stages occur in the language planning process. The first…

Punctuation contributes substantially to the effectiveness of a piece of writing, and its successful use calls for an awareness of the sound of written language. For centuries, debates have existed over whether punctuation is determined by grammar, or whether its primary function is to signal the "prosody"--the patterns of pitch and…

In order for students to be helped effectively to complete their writings successfully, writing centers in schools need to become more adept at "context based response." That is, writing centers need to focus not just on clarity and correctness of writing but also on the content of the assignment that students are working on. This type…