Emphasizing a sociocultural view, this book encourages language teachers to broaden their views of the English language arts curriculum, and thereby increase students' opportunities to examine a broader array of language elements (semantics, regional and social variations, discourse conventions). The first section of the book describes what Language Exploration and Awareness (LEA) is and how LEA differs from the traditional approach to the study of language in schools. Chapters in the first section are: (1) "Language Exploration and Awareness: What It Is"; (2) "Language Exploration and Awareness: Why It Is"; and (3) "Language Exploration and Awareness: Three Prerequisites." The second section of the book provides the classroom teacher with basic concepts, knowledge, and information about a number of important elements of language, and offers illustrative class activities called "Student Explorations." Chapters in the book's second section are: (4) "Properties of Communication and Language"; (5) "Words and Lexicography"; (6) "Syntax, Spelling, and Good English"; (7) "Discourse Routines and Social Conventions"; (8) "Regional, Social, and Historical Variations; (9) "Meanings and General Semantics"; and (10) "The Language of Intolerance and Discrimination." A policy statement, "Non-White Minorities in English and Language Arts Materials," and a 140-item bibliography are attached. (RS)