To examine the process of language shift (bilingualization) in an area where there is a local dialect equivalent to a "language of solidarity" and a national language equivalent to a "language of power," language interactions in the impoverished village of San Marcos in the highlands of Guatemala were examined. Although Spanish…

A discussion of the movement to make English the only official language in the United States' multilingual society examines the nature and scope of the movement and draws instructional and language policy implications for teaching situations involving language-minority populations. It draws a relationship between the politics of language diversity…

Both Ireland and Canada are officially bilingual countries. There are similarities between the two countries and differences with regard to numbers of speakers and purposes for which speakers use Irish or French. Yet, a comparison of language policy in the two countries is possible, one which would focus on demographic, economic, social, cultural,…

In assessing the Canadian government's performance in 1976 in carrying out the spirit of the Official Languages Act, at least 80% of Ottawa's initiatives seem to have been successful, but many problems remain. This report surveys the progress made in varying sectors of government structure. The report is divided into two chapters. Chapter one,…

This publication, an update of previous reports of the same title, provides information on language programs in Canada under the following headings: (1) programs in the nine provinces (excluding Quebec) including a description of minority language and second language education as well as French immersion programs; and (2) programs in Quebec,…

Canada, a nation of 25 million people, uses two official languages, English and French, to recognize the country's two founding groups. In addition to an official bilingual policy, Canada has a policy of multiculturalism that encourages ethnic languages and cultures. (RM)

Discusses strategies of social mobility involving education, occupational or residential change, and migration as well as the implications for language behavior of these strategies. The article assesses current theories of language maintenance and shift, drawing on network concepts and referring to change in an Irish-speaking community in…

A discussion of language policy formation and planning in Canada covers the following: bilingualism and multiculturalism; Quebec, French, and the constitution; and aboriginal language issues. Language legislation is emphasized. (Contains 52 references.) (LB)

Presents a political overview of the dual cultural identities and official language policy in Canada. Details of recent events are provided about issues of language and culture and their relationship to the Quebec separatist movement. (93 references) (CK)

The role and status of English instruction in Kenya is outlined. The Kenyan educational system, the role of English in Kenya as a whole, English instruction within the educational system, teacher supply and training, textbook availability and use, British and American support for English instruction in Kenya, and current research are described.…

A discussion of the movement to make English the official language of the United States, by constitutional amendment, looks for a hidden agenda among its advocates. The history of and debate over the amendment in Congress and around the country are reviewed, drawing from legislative texts, speeches, essays, media commentary, and related research.…

The implementation of the Federal-Provincial Program of Cooperation for Bilingualism in Education, in 1970, in Canada, has resulted in a number of myths regarding the amount and the utilization of monies available through the program. The intent of this document is to provide information about the facets of this program that impinge on the area of…

An overview of the economic policy, political structure, and four official languages of Switzerland is presented. The following topics are discussed: (1) economic expansion without natural resources, (2) linguistic diversity, (3) Swiss-German, and (4) politics and governmental organization. (PMP)

This report examines the problems involved in researching institutional and socio-cultural bilingualism and contains suggestions for about 60 projects and related case studies. These projects are presented under the following headings: (1) The Service, Methodological and Geographical Aspects, (2) Inventories, (3) Problems of Conceptualization and…

The city of Montreal provides an example of how residential patterns are related to linguistic background and how linguistic pluralism is maintained under conditions of constant contact and extensive bilingualism. Residential segregation between linguistic and ethnic groups is determined by the index of dissimilarity; this index has been applied…