Reviews the major features of participatory development, asking how far similar processes are applied in promoting the use of local languages. Argues that language development processes must figure into participatory approaches to develop multilingual environments and that attention to language must proceed along similar participatory lines. (CMK)

Argues that democratisation, localization, and national identity are indivisible in Taiwan. Explains that social pressure groups, teachers, and parents are empowered in policy making processes, while the power of school officials to respond to these groups is limited. Discusses the role of school curriculum in promoting ethnic cultures and…

Responds to the article entitled, "The REFLECT Approach to Literacy: Some Issues of Method," by Caroline Dyer and Archana Choksi. Contends that certain key principles were overlooked in their three-month experiment on REFLECT: (1) local ownership and control; (2) an internal community process; and (3) an integration of literacy and empowerment.…

Uses case studies of a Latin American woman and a South Asian woman to identify obstacles and facilitators that shaped their lives and paths to empowerment. Presents a model for understanding processes of empowerment and change, particularly change facilitating gender equity. Recognizes a dialectic process involving individual subjective…

Examines the extent to which higher education has facilitated or impeded economic and social empowerment of women in Asia, through developments and processes within family and educational institutions. Draws illustrations from South Asia, the Philippines, and Japan to reflect countries in different stages of development and with different cultural…