English has historically been accepted as the de facto language standard for the United States. Legislative efforts have attempted to manipulate language in this country, and there is presently an attempt to introduce a constitutional amendment making English the official language of the United States. Supporters of the amendment stress problems…

Suggests that racism may be the motivation for the English-only laws passed in 18 states. Cites studies showing the benefits of bilingual education over English immersion. Concludes that the English-only movement would impede the delivery of psychological, educational, psychometric, and health services for many American residents. (DM)

Provides a statistical portrait of residents of the United States who speak a language other than English, including the degree of their fluency in English. The analysis is based on the microdata files from the 1990 Census of Population. The data reveal that a continuation of current migration patterns will result in both linguistic concentration…

The "Official English" (OE), or "English Only," movement claims that the United States is threatened by the use of languages other than English in schools, government, and business. The OE movement is contrary to a national tradition of recognition and respect for the contributions of immigrants to American life. Restrictions…

Traces the historical development of state and federal law, policy, and practice concerning language. Suggests that, in the future, languages other than English may play prominent roles in American culture and government. (MJL)

Discusses attempts in the United States to make English the only official language and the motives underlying these activities. The article argues that the present mood of nativism poses a serious threat to English-as-a-Second-Language professionals and discusses the role of U.S. English, Inc., the major organization advocating language…

The aim of the "English-Only" movement is to make English the official national language. The Constitution of the United States does not mention the English language, and therefore the country has no official language. The legacy of the nation's founders is one of linguistic tolerance. The increase in immigrants from Asia and Latin…

This report on the use of the Spanish language in the United States discusses the Spanish-speaking population, the language itself, and bilingual education in the United States. The background about the Spanish-speaking population includes the following topics: (1) "A Nations of Immigrants," (2) "The Population of the…

Compares efforts to support minority languages in the developed, industrialized countries of the north and the developing countries of the southern hemisphere. The article examines whether comparable principles are being applied to minority language planning, and if not, what the underlying reasons for the differences are. (33 references)…

Written for the layperson, this books presents perspectives in support of cultural diversity in America and against language restrictionism and establishment of English as the single official language. In a series of topical discussions, the book brings what linguists have learned about language acquisition to the issue of how the United States…

Documents and evaluates Israel's language policy shift from its traditional Hebrew-enforcement policy to the fostering of an immigrant language as a channel of information and culture in the face of a sudden 10% addition to its population due to one-half million Soviet migrants attached to Russian culture. (33 references) (Author/CK)