Post-apartheid South Africa has officially sanctioned multilingualism in a constitution that recognises 11 official languages. However, the status of all of the languages is not perceived as being equal. The majority of South Africans want their children to be educated in English, although this is not their mother tongue, and schools are under…

That English has become a necessary tool in the modern scientist's intellectual equipment, seems to be unquestionable nowadays. English is most likely chosen as the most convenient medium of international communication when the local academic community decides to communicate with the external world. Most Israeli scholars, including those who…

When Botswana gained independence from the British in 1966, a political decision was taken to designate English as an official language and Setswana, one of the indigenous languages, as a national language. This move disregarded the multilingual nature of Botswana society. Furthermore, although not explicitly stated, the use of other languages…

This paper distinguishes Bahasa Malaysia (Malaysian language) and Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language) according to type and function and summarizes their development as the national languages of Malaya, Singapore, and Indonesia. It presents a short, historical account of the spread, through religious and educational activities, of the English…

After presenting background on the British colonial period, 1786-1957, the author examines recent Malaysian educational policy for national integration of this multicultural society, through provision of equal opportunities for all ethnic groups and the use of Malay as the official language. Successes and problems are noted. (SJL)

Discusses changes in language contacts that are evolving in Quebec between the minority Anglophones and the French-speaking majority. Census data analyses and field research studies indicate that the pattern of language usage among Anglophones is altering in favor of French, indicating capabilities for and attitudes toward greater participation…

Argues against bilingual education in the United States, asserting that the English language binds together a multicultural people. Claims that the Bilingual Education Act of 1968 is divisive, and that immigrants now have greater difficulty assimilating to American life because they can avoid learning English. (MM)

The English-Only movement attacks bilingual education and attempts to have English declared the official language of the U.S. Feeding on the fear and anger many experience when dealing with non-English speakers, the movement provides no positive direction but draws on and encourages racism and bigotry. (LHW)

The question of whether or not mother-tongue education is the best medium of instruction is examined, using social and cultural criteria instead of the usual academic/cognitive criteria. The real significance of using disadvantaged vernaculars is that such use symbolizes to minority groups a lessening of relative disadvantage. (RM)

It is of prime importance that children begin their education in their mother tongue, as this will provide the optimum conditions for the development of the personality and will improve their social chances. Mother-tongue education is beginning to be accepted in a number of European countries. (RM)

Examines teaching core French. Proposes engendering national spirit, reassessing university role, adopting businesslike attitudes, undertaking a national research project, pooling publishing expertise, using technology, expanding New Brunswick's testing program, and providing proper teaching conditions. Suggests fluency become basic priority,…

This paper considers the declining use of Irish (Gaelic) as a language of instruction in both Ulster and the Republic of Ireland in this century. Policy statements are analyzed. Tables list percentages of primary and secondary schools conducted in Irish, English, or bilingual modes over the decades. (SJL)

Examines the constraints on adult second language learners in a bilingual country, their characteristics, and the teaching methods and programs at their disposal. (AM)

Questions whether the expansion of English and other dominant languages, an intrinsic part of contemporary globalization, serves to encourage and promote other languages and cultures or the reverse. Argues that there is overwhelming evidence of linguicide, with speakers of "world languages" as active agents in the demise of other…

Reviews the history of the language controversy in Puerto Rico from the United States takeover of the island in 1898 through the 1991 and 1993 language laws that eliminated and then restored English as an official language. The article emphasizes the shifting ways that language has served as a symbolic maker. (47 references) (Author/CK)