This article discusses the implications of "multicompetence" (Cook, 1991), defined as an individual's knowledge of more than one language, for language assessment. The growing psycholinguistic evidence highlighting variability in native speaker performance as a result of multicompetence is reviewed, evidence that further questions the validity of…

My main contention in this article is that the nation-state paradigm for policies targeted at effecting development in sub-Saharan Africa is undermined by arbitrary colonial boundaries and porous borders and the challenges of transnationalism as part of the globalization phenomenon in late modernity. The nation-state paradigm is also the framework…

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.…

Focuses on the quest of contested speech forms for legitimacy as languages rather than dialects, the distinction being explored solely in a political context. Suggests that although the European Union supports the role of nation states in the legitimization of languages, the regular use of French and English has enhanced the status of these two…

A speech by the president of Senegal on the need for instruction in Parisian French in his country is used as the point of departure for a discussion of such standardization. The proposal for standardization is found idealistic, and the utility of the language taught is judged more important. (MSE)

Discusses the usage of French in Gabon. As in other nations of francophone Africa, French is the language of upward social mobility in Gabon, and it offers access to the international community. However, one factor peculiar to Gabon is the virtual absence of a Gabonese national language, which promotes a greater dependency upon a mastery of the…

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

Discusses the status of Creoles and their role in the education system of Creole-speaking countries, particularly those Creoles based on and competing with French. (AM)

The status of French in Morocco is ambiguous: it is neither an official language nor a foreign language, and it would benefit greatly from an official definition that would allow a variety of language conflicts to be resolved. (MSE)

In view of the confused status of French in relation to Arabic in the Maghreb countries, it is proposed that the best educational direction is to emphasize productive language and the recognition of written text in French language instruction. (MSE)

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…

In the process of Arabization of Morocco, it is necessary to maintain French language instruciton, but as a necessary foreign language and not as a primary language. French remains an important part of Morocco's diverse cultural identity. (MSE)

The Arabization of sciences, and especially of the language of the sciences, poses problems because of poor coordination among institutions and countries and because of the Arabic language itself. Instruction in French is still the best solution while Arabization becomes established. (MSE)

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)