This paper outlines the teaching and research program in language and education at the University of Southampton (England) and examines problem areas found in the combination of language and education, including confusion in interpretation of textual material by students. Language and education often involves language teaching, but not language, per se. The nature of language and education is examined in the classroom, in policy, and in teacher education. It is argued that language is intimately bound up with the process of education, at all levels, and that teachers and administrators need to be sensitive to this union and need to be informed about the way language operates in society. (Contains 28 references.) (NAV)