Discusses the view that the spread of English is endangering many regional languages and their corresponding cultures. Suggests that this view is based on premises that no longer hold true in a world marked by cultural intermixing and growing multilingualism. Implications for the English-as-a-Second-Language teacher are highlighted. (Author/VWL)

The failure of educational research to fully allow for limitations in methodology when drawing conclusions is faulted. In addition to this, a failure on the part of the media--educational and other--to fully publicize these limitations is also criticized. Methodological shortcomings of the 1977-78 American Institutes of Research (AIR) study of…

In describing the different types of codeswitching used in Dakar, this paper questions the frequent assumption that the use of two languages within a single conversation violates a norm. In Dakar there is a fluid and unmarked switching between Wolof and French, "Urban Wolof," that has become the most common mode of speech among urban…

An introductory paper for a British conference addresses some of the problems that arise when literacy education is brought from national and international centers to groups of people whose primary identity is with local languages and literacies. Some questions are raised regarding the reality of international cooperation in literacy, the possible…

Teachers of nonstandard dialect-speaking students need to become ethnographers of local communication. For minority education and bidialectal programs to work, there must be an informed awareness of community language functions and of the structural equality of all world dialects. (41 references) (CJH)

It is suggested that despite its simplicity, neutrality, and practical nature, Esperanto is at risk of extinction because of the growing dominance of English as an international language. It is further proposed that in order to assure its maintenance, Esperantists must federate into a state with political autonomy. The first section of the…

Describes the ESL Program at the Vienna International School (VIS). States that students who come to international schools with poor English skills are those who struggle the most. Advocates separating ESL programs, diversity awareness training for instructors, and mother tongue programs. (NB)

Because most Nigerian children receive only limited schooling, it is important to use this time as effectively as possible. One way to improve Nigerian schools is by teaching children in their native language, so that they will not be hindered by the need to master two languages and cultures. (IS)

A memorandum is presented that summarizes the conclusions of a group of officials on bilingual education policy and the role of bilingual education in the overall language competence of Americans. A letter to Secretary of Education Terrel Bell outlines suggestions for specific actions. (MSE)

This article discusses a battery of tests, the "Short Tests of Linguistic Skills," which was developed by the Chicago Board of Education to help teachers determine the language dominance of Spanish bilingual children between the ages of 8 and 13. (CFM)

Discusses language intolerance in the United States and its relation to the culture wars now emerging. Responses to nine questions raised by those who want English to be the official language of the United States are presented to untangle the issues and correct the misconceptions behind the question. (GR)

Discusses problems posed by language differences in psychiatric diagnosis and management. Describes barriers encountered by linguo-cultural minorities such as Hispanics who use mental health care systems. Urges awareness of effect of language preference, language competence, bilingualism, and native tongue in planning and delivering mental health…

Fundamental issues in language policy and planning are discussed: language death, language survival, language change, language revival, language shift and expansion, language contact and pidginization or creolization, and literacy development. (Contains 21 references.) (LB)

Early Russian religious and educational influences on the 20 various Alaskan Native languages are described, followed by those of American origin in schools and religious groups after the American purchase in 1867, all of which show the development of diglossia and language shifts. The present dual educational system, which includes state schools…

This article explores the complex relationship between language and mathematics education in multilingual settings by presenting an analysis of one lesson from a multilingual primary mathematics classroom in South Africa taught by an appropriately qualified and experienced teacher. English emerged as a dominant language in this classroom, and this…