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,…

Timor Leste, the first new nation of the twenty-first century, is a young country facing many of the most challenging problems of underdevelopment: illiteracy, malnutrition, low skills base and high unemployment. It also is on the threshold of facing the potential pitfalls of being a relatively large-scale exporter of oil and gas. Finally…

The nine-year program of studies for French as a Second Language (FSL) is a legal document that specifies from Grade 4 to 12 what Alberta students are expected to acquire as attitudes and linguistic, cultural, and strategic knowledge as they develop and demonstrate their communicative skills. This document contains an introduction, a rationale,…

This paper considers the declining use of Irish (Gaelic) as a language of instruction in both Ulster and the Republic of Ireland in this century. Policy statements are analyzed. Tables list percentages of primary and secondary schools conducted in Irish, English, or bilingual modes over the decades. (SJL)

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

Questions whether the expansion of English and other dominant languages, an intrinsic part of contemporary globalization, serves to encourage and promote other languages and cultures or the reverse. Argues that there is overwhelming evidence of linguicide, with speakers of "world languages" as active agents in the demise of other…

Reviews the history of the language controversy in Puerto Rico from the United States takeover of the island in 1898 through the 1991 and 1993 language laws that eliminated and then restored English as an official language. The article emphasizes the shifting ways that language has served as a symbolic maker. (47 references) (Author/CK)

Investigates how the language in which formal education is conducted affects learners' reading ability in the context of Malawi and Zambia. Administration of English- and local-language reading tests reveals that no significant difference exists in English-language reading ability between learners in each country, but large differences in favor of…

Attempts to ascertain why Irish revivalist efforts have not led to a revitalization of the language of the type associated with Hebrew. Analyzes the historical issues surrounding these efforts outside the "Gaeltacht" community, with a view to understanding the conditions and processes that should have existed for revitalization. (33…

Recent activation of a 1940 Italian law allowing equal amounts of elementary school subject area instruction in French and Italian in the Valle D'Aosta (Italy) are described. The plan uses paired bilingual teachers who alternate both languages and grades during the school day. Extension of the program to higher grades is discussed. (six…

Examines the historical role of English in the Nigerian education system. Introduced through evangelism and colonialism, English became the official Nigerian language and still occupies a place of pride in formal schooling. Although the widespread use of English in Nigeria will likely continue, the language must be adapted to the linguistic…

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…

Describes the linguistic situation in Israel and the language teaching policies and practices in Israeli schools. Policy is dominated by the ideological role and practical value of Hebrew, and is further driven by the large numbers of non-Jewish minorities, the status of English as a world language, and the political values of Arabic. (21…

Analysis of survey responses regarding Ghanaians' preferred language policy indicated that a "3+1" language policy, involving individuals' learning of a national, international, and local language, constitutes an equilibrium outcome, although some minority-language groups would need to learn a fourth language if their vernacular is…