This book was written for scholars, policymakers, and educators and provides both an introduction to issues in literacy and language diversity and compelling questions for those who work in the field. Based on national data, the extent of language diversity in the United States is explored; what is known about English literacy, native language literacy, and biliteracy is considered; and what is needed to make informed national policy decisions about this subject is discussed. This book is written from a pro-language diversity point of view and critiques policies and practices that view language diversity as a problem that must be remedied through education. It highlights recent positive developments in adult literacy that incorporate language diversity as a resource. Chapter titles include the following: "Common Myths and Stereotypes about Literacy and Language Diversity in the United States"; "Literacy and the Great Divide: Cognitive or Social?"; "Defining and Measuring Literacy: Uses and Abuses"; "Literacy, Schooling, and the Socioeconomic Divide"; "Language, Diversity, and the Ascription of Status"; "Literacy and Language Diversity in Sociocultural Contexts"; "Contemporary Bilingual Education Theory and the Great Divide"; and "The Impact of Literacy Policies and Practices on Language Minority Learners." Numerous tables, illustrations, and figures appear throughout the text. Each chapter concludes with suggestions for further reading. (Contains an index and approximately 350 references.) (KFT)