Presents model using elements of status, social group or speech community, and values for treating literacy as a sociolinguistic phenomenon and in support of bilingual education. Uses Navajo and medieval Jewish languages as examples. (BK)

The development of literacy in selected bilingual societies was investigated. Historical and comparative studies were conducted of medieval Jewish communities, the Navajo community, a northern New Mexico village, and the countries of Paraguay and Tonga. The goal of the case studies was to develop a model for the development of literacy in the…

This is the final report of one of three studies in an overall project entitled "Evaluation of Bilingual Education Programs." This study was sponsored in response to a need for more information regarding bilingual-bicultural education for other than Spanish language groups. The study's objectives were to: (1) identify the major issues…

Conducted from 1975 to 1977, this reading achievement study examined the effects of initial literacy in Navajo on later reading in English and the effects of initial arithmetic instruction in Navajo on later arithmetic instruction in English by comparing two groups of Navajo students, both of whom began school essentially monolingual in Navajo.…

An examination of 13 selected samples of the English compositions written by Navajo college students revealed much of interest for the developing concern over widespread classification of native Americans as failure-bound in college courses involving written English skills. Four culturally motivated text strategies were found to be typical and…

In 10 families in which parents spoke Navajo and children did not, factors that inhibited the transmittal of Navajo to children were the use of English at home, shame toward the Navajo language and culture, the perception that a "glass ceiling" hindered the job advancement of Navajo speakers, and influence of the media. Suggests ways to…

This paper presents some preliminary findings from an opinion survey on the nature and depth of language and cultural studies to be included in school curricula as required by the Navajo Tribe's Language and Culture Mandate (1984). A 10-question survey was sent to 20 elementary and secondary schools in the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona.…

A study undertaken to assess the educational services offered to children in three diverse bilingual communities gathered data through interviews with a variety of school and community people, classroom observations, and review of school documents. The results of the data gathering are summarized for each of the three communities: (1) an urban,…

In the past 25 years, American Indian education has undergone tremendous changes in both content (curriculum and pedagogy) and context (institutional framework). Centered on the issue of control, changes at both levels have resulted from a dynamic interplay between federal language policy and local initiatives. The federal Bilingual Education Act…

A study of the kinds of educational services provided to limited English speaking students, how schools provide these services, factors shaping and guiding the programs, and instructional practices fostering the development of school-related language of bilingual students is summarized. The report is divided into two parts: (1) a descriptive study…

Despite public discourse affirming the importance of maintaining the Navajo language and despite extensive language maintenance efforts by Navajo schools, the Navajo people are experiencing a rapid shift from Navajo to English. This book draws on fieldwork conducted in the small community of Tsaile, on the Navajo Reservation in northeastern…