A framework for discussing the issues associated with language policy in the United States is offered, highlighting the history of the country's diverse language groups and language policies. It is proposed that language politics, and often the policies themselves, reflect the social relations between groups within a society. The history of…

Esperanto can remove the language problem from tourism and bring major moral, economic, and practical advantages for all of humankind. Officials of national and local tourism organizations and companies should encourage its application in various ways, for example, by using it for: publication of publicity materials destined for use abroad; public…

The principal motivation for and main value of the national language concept is its character as a standard for all users, but that standard most often reflects the norms and beliefs of a cultural and economic elite and the "nation" becomes synonymous with the ruling class. It would be more useful to talk about a standard usage imposed on the…

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,…

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

Examines two variables affecting multicultural schools: teachers' attitudes and professional knowledge about students' languages and cultures; and the linguistic/cultural diversity of the children. Compares bilingual schooling and school organization for second-language teaching in multicultural contexts. Describes successful practices, including…

Language planning for the Irish language in the Republic of Ireland has featured prominently in international language policy and planning literature over the years. Researchers in the field may not be up to date, however, with recent developments in the area of Irish language planning and their impact on the language ecology. This monograph…

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…

A discussion of the relationship between national identity and language in Spanish-speaking Latin America focuses on issues concerning indigenous languages, education, and literacy. The sociolinguistic history and configuration Spanish-speaking Latin America are outlined briefly, noting the influences of indigenous populations, non-Spanish…

This paper presents a historical commentary on some of the literature on the language predicament--and especially the kind of bilingual community--found in the Irish Gaeltacht. The Gaeltacht communities in Ireland constitute a residual minority of what was, until recent times, the major linguistic group on the island. Conquest and colonization…

The problem of language in Quebec today is not unique. All over the world, the problem of language comes up as a result of the organization of life in society. It is useful, therefore, to examine the role language has played in the evolution of societies from tribes to nations. In this way, the similarities and differences between the situation in…