Public Law 94-311, passed by Congress in 1976, called for the expansion of statistics reflecting the socioeconomic status of Hispanics. The article discusses the state of the Hispanic community in early 1979, one agency's difficulties in implementing the mandates of P.L. 94-311, and the status of other agencies' work on the law's requirements. (NQ)

Covering a 500-year span, this article traces the changes in and evolution of the Spanish language from its earliest written accounts in the eleventh century to the Spanish that was brought by the Conquistadores to the New World. (DS)

A major concern to anyone involved in the alcoholism field is the basic understanding of alcoholism as a disease that Hispanics have not yet completely accepted. Hispanics have usually labeled the use of alcoholic beverages as being embedded into Hispanic culture and have viewed alcoholism as an individual weakness to be endured in silence. (NQ)

The Court Interpreters Act of 1978, signed by President Carter on October 29, 1978, establishes the right of any individual involved in federal proceedings to have a certified court interpreter if his/her communication or comprehension capabilities are inhibited because of a language barrier or a hearing or speech impairment. (NQ)

In spite of the increasing attack from columnists, some legislators, and other assorted real or imagined policymakers, the Hispanic community is realizing that bilingual bicultural education represents a viable pedagogical strategy to deal with their astonishingly low educational attainment. (NQ)

The Youth Employment Demonstration Projects Act created four new programs designed to employ and increase the employability of youth: the Young Adult Conservation Corps, the Youth Incentive Entitlement Pilot Projects, Youth Community Conservation and Improvement Projects, and Youth Employment and Training Programs. (NQ)

After years of navigating independently, some 62 Hispanic organizations are "getting it together" and presenting a united front through the Forum. Article describes the awakening of Hispanic consciousness, the factors behind it, and the organization and mission of the Forum itself. (DS)

Though hidden from view by being considered "non-existent", the meager evidence indicates that Hispanics have an unusually high arrest and incarceration rate. Hispanic background is rarely asked on the six major sources of criminal justice statistics--statistics of arrests, courts, prisoners, juvenile delinquency, crime victimization, and public…

The article discusses the broadcasting of Spanish public service announcements to the Hispanic community by a profit-making company, Hispanic ownership of radio and TV stations, and the need for Hispanics in policy-making positions within the media and as participants in community action groups and public forums. (NQ)

Cites the need for Hispanics to become involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Illegal immigration, Puerto Rican statehood, and relations with Cuba are discussed because they are of particular significance to the Hispanic community. (DS)

Discusses legacies of traits left by Cuba's three ethnic streams--the Spanish, Black, and Taino--that together explain Cuban personality and way of life. Asserts that by understanding what each group has contributed, Cubans can better know themselves and better project for their future, both individually and collectively. (DS)

Puerto Rican roots stem from the ethnic mixture of Indians, Europeans, and Africans. This article describes the advent of each of the groups on the island, the historical and cultural impact each made, and the retention of heritage among Puerto Rican migrants to the U.S. (DS)

The report reviews briefly the most salient information relevant to Hispanics in the United States during the years of the 95th Congress (1977 and 1978), and provides information on the congressional activity that occurred relating to those issues. (Author/NQ)

Discusses the history of the Spanish language in America and notes the influence of Caribbean languages, Nahuatl, and English on Spanish. Describes the archaisms in lexicon, phonology, and grammar of the Spanish of New Mexico and Colorado. Discusses Spanish language maintenance in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States. (SB)

Impressive evidence shows individual bilingual Hispanic children from low-income backgrounds becoming biliterate in Spanish and English by first grade. Reading is presented to preschoolers as a game; they are first taught to read in Spanish and then in English. Parental participation is crucial. Impact differs according to starting age. (Author/CM)