Reflecting on the situation in Quebec, this paper attempts to offer a fair solution to the problem of the languages of signage. It is suggested that individuals and groups have the right to show their linguistic identity as well as to express themselves in the languages of their choice, provided that the rights of the addressees are also met. (VWL)

Describes the problems involved in translating federal law in Canada from English to French, and proposes a short-term solution for faster and better translation and a future solution involving the drafting of laws simultaneously in the two languages. (AM)

States the need for placing greater emphasis on writing and less on translation, particularly in a country such as Canada where two official languages require many translations and where the French language is constantly threatened by the overwhelming pressure of English. Sees translation quality as largely dependent on quality writing.…

The Canadian Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism raises questions about a social situation which involves claims to special status, principally in school curricula, for a number of languages spoken by Canadian subpopulations. This paper examines the specific circumstances and expression of these claims to the Commission. (Author)

Analyzes the issues at stake in the debate over official language legislation in the United States, focusing on the agenda of U.S. ENGLISH, an organization promoting the legislation of English as the official language of the United States. The article argues that restricting language rights can lead to social segregation and that people speak…

A theoretical framework for conceptualizing different kinds of language rights and for construing the nature of the tension between them is discussed. Differences between individual and communal language rights are examined, and the latter are suggested to have sound moral foundations. Examples are drawn from Canada. (19 references) (Author/LB)

Encourages language teachers to continue in their efforts in promoting bilingualism in Canada. (AM)

As part of a project involving secondary school teachers in Canadian provinces, the role of language, particularly the use of French by French Canadians in education and in daily life, is considered. In a collection of readings, the contemporary debate over language and the status of official languages in various parts of Canada are reviewed and…

Discusses bilingualism in Canada in terms of rationale, demographic trends and reactions, and government action. Argues for a positive view of cultural diversity and for tolerance and understanding of linguistic differences. (Author/MJL)

Reviews the history of language legislation in Quebec, specifically regarding the relationship between French and English. It is suggested that English be taught as a "foreign" rather than a "second" language in Quebec. (AM)

The Windsor-Quebec City axis is Canada's most important economic entity. The axis comprises four distinct physiographic units, with considerable climatic variation across the area. Containing two distinct linguistic groups (English and French), the axis has a rich agricultural system and is the manufacturing heartland of Canada. (RM)

English-only proponents cite linguistic divisions in Canada and Belgium as reason to avoid bilingualism. Data on language shift, language demographics, and language prestige indicate that the situations in these two countries are not comparable to the United States. A better lesson to draw from these two countries' experiences is that coercive…

Based on interviews with 150 persons in departments of education and in national, provincial, and territorial education organizations in Canada's major capital cities, this paper discusses seven vital issues in Canadian education and briefly states seven others. The seven major issues needing resolution concern: (1) the appropriate balance between…

This report addresses the question of whether Canada is really a bilingual, multicultural nation, or a bilingual, monocultural nation, or a bilingual, bicultural nation. The history of Quebec is outlined and a comparison is made between the ethnic and linguistic composition of Quebec and the rest of Canada, showing that the percentage of people of…

The second part of a study on the defense of the French language (see Part I in the Winter 1992 issue) presents historical overview of the Quebec government effort of renewing, normalizing, and promoting the French language in that province. The controversial aspects and effects of Law 101 are examined. (43 references) (LET)