Presents a critical review of current empirical second-language (L2) studies addressing the effects of simplification on L2 learners' comprehension and intake in the written and aural modes. Argues that the issue of the role and effects of simplification on learners' comprehension and intake remains contentious. (35 references) (Author/CK)

This introduction to Section 1, Part 2 of the theme issue discusses a study that investigated the story-grammar propositions of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Results found that over 50% of the students could not produce the minimal components of a good story. The processes of story production are explained, including schemata…

Describes how simple curriculum-based assessments can be used to evaluate the writing process, the product factors (fluency, content, conventions, syntax and vocabulary), and the writing purpose of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. A process checklist is included that can be used to assess strategies students do or do not use when writing.…

Examines the effects of a time lag before introducing Chinese characters into the elementary Chinese language curriculum. Results found that college students who were provided a three-week time lag were better able to discriminate phonetically and transcribe unfamiliar Mandarin syllables and were more fluent in spoken Mandarin than students who…

Translations of three Arabic texts into English illustrate the differences between the aural and visual modes of text development. An analysis of the function of these modes in their social contexts explains the problems of the negative transfer of habits from one language to another. (Author/CB)

Summarizes Stephen Krashen's work on second language acquisition (involving the distinction between language acquisition and language learning). Discusses several techniques for teaching "Edited American English" in light of Krashen's theory, including error-based exercises and guided editing. Indicates which techniques help or impede…

Discusses complexities inherent in correcting second language students' spoken and written errors. Alternatives to current error correction methods (1) focus on the use of error correction to improve students' language form, (2) involve the real communicative consequences of inaccuracy, (3) suggest strategies for attending to form when listening…

Describes the Concepts About Print test (CAP), a test designed to examine young children's knowledge of written language. Discusses variations of the CAP for other languages, including Spanish, Walpiri (an Australian aboriginal language), and Braille. (MM)

Explains and defends the theory and practice of Afrocentrism. The Ethiopic Writing System is examined within the context of Afrocentric theory. The author presents Afrocentrism as a theory that seeks to promote and implement human freedom for all. (GLR)

The origins of the English Genitive Apostrophe (EGA) are relatively recent, and considerable variation in its use by native speakers is evident. A study of 45 undergraduates/postgraduates suggests overall that there continues to be a lack of accord between usage of and prescriptive rules for EGA. (Contains 37 references.) (Author/LB)

The question of the sequencing of skills is an important issue in language policy and curriculum design in general, and even more so in the case of a diglossic language such as Arabic. This paper tries to investigate the implications of diglossia on the order of linguistic skills acquisition in Arabic among Hebrew speakers in Israel. (JL)

Critiques an article that compared genuine suicide notes with simulated notes. Elaborates on theoretical and methodological difficulties, noting a lack of hypotheses, operationalized constructs, and prediction testing. Examines the operational design used in the article and suggests that the study of suicide notes in such a fashion should cease.…

Argues that language and written communication play a critical role in the reacculturation process that enables individuals to make a successful transition from the academic world to a professional environment. Reports results of a mail survey examining the technical communications abilities of aerospace engineering students and the technical…

It is argued that a shift from impressionistic measures of assessment to criterion-referenced measures provides a more detailed profile of the writing abilities of young adult writers. The usefulness of the Staged Assessments in Literacy (SAIL) scheme developed at the University of Manchester as a measure in multilingual settings is described. (45…

Topical structure analysis of English-as-a-Second-Language essay tests identified two topical structure variables, proportions of sequential and parallel topics in the essays, that differentiated the highest-rated essays from the lower-rated essays. (46 references) (Author/CB)