Investigates use of a functional approach to discourse analysis--knowledge structure analysis, which focuses on meaning, form, and function simultaneously--to evaluate both writing development and content learning. Examined written texts in science, produced by English-as-a-Second-Language students with limited to intermediate English language…

Demonstrates some of the limits of the translation of sound effects in poetry from a purely linguistic point of view, as opposed to a literary critical one. Three examples of poetry were recorded in the original language and transcribed phonetically, as were English translations of the same works. (Author/VWL)

Analyzes the extensive use of personal examples and stories in the academic essays of students who are nonnative speakers of English. Draws on a large database of college examination essays to compare the use of personal examples in essays written by native and nonnative speakers. Finds nonnative students not only use examples more often than…

In view of assertions that reading is a form of constrained reasoning, evidence is presented that indicates that lexical access in fluent readers is not at all like reasoning or problem solving. Reading theory is discussed in terms of cognitive science, connectionism, context use in word recognition, modularity, constructivism, and phonological…

Sociocultural approaches to literacy question several related assumptions inherited from the discipline of cognitive psychology, including the following: (1) thinking and speaking are functions of individual minds; (2) literacy is an individual mental skill involving the ability to read and write; and (3) intelligence, knowledge, and aptitude are…

The key question identified is not whether literacy theories, practices, and research recognize variable and contextual aspects of literacy, but whether they consider how this diversity positions learners, teachers, and researchers with respect to existing inequities and relations of domination and subordination. (55 references) (LB)

A discussion of economic and social arguments that advance adult literacy is followed by a review of definitions of literacy, issues of literacy instruction, issues of language, and issues of assessment and evaluation. (91 references) (LB)

Research findings on written language and literacy in Europe over the past five years are summarized, including the following areas of study: construct of literacy, assessment of literacy problems, emergent literacy, reading and writing development, and individual differences in literacy acquisition. (140 references) (LB)

The relationship of systemic functional linguistic theory to the following themes is examined: differences between speech and writing; written genres; and the study of spoken language, especially for its relevance in school learning. (65 references) (LB)

Literacy issues are discussed that affect Canadians age 15 and older who are barely literate in any language. Topics include the following: definitions of literacy; policy overviews and surveys; the impact of literacy on Canadian institutions; access for literacy learners; adult learning and classroom practice; and the plain language movement. (76…

Current definitions of literacy reflect a holistic view of reading and writing as linguistic enterprises situated in social and intellectual contexts. This article reviews early reading and writing, aspects of comprehension, reading/writing learning problems, and second and foreign language literacy. (99 references) (LB)

Literacy in South America must be understood in terms of the linguistic diversity there, where only 2 of 14 nations and territories are monolingual. Oral traditions, standardization of indigenous languages, nonstandard varieties of colonial languages, bilingual education and mother tongue literacy, literacy teaching, and politics are discussed.…

A review of Maghreb language and literacy covers the following: historical and cultural context; sociolinguistic situation; language policies and planning; language and literacy use; literacy education in three instructional contexts (Quranic, public primary, and adult literacy schooling); and future directions. (42 references) (LB)

Literacy in francophone Africa, where literacy is still a privilege, is reviewed in terms of the complex linguistic situation, effects of population change, concepts and definitions of literacy, promotion of literacy in adult nonformal settings (e.g., African language literacy materials, multilingual settings). (23 references) (LB)

Language maintenance remains either passive, with no overt efforts at preservation or active with language planning. Models for language maintenance are reviewed along with language reinforcement efforts. An annotated bibliography is included. (Contains 43 references.) (LB)