In many respects, the state of minority language reflects the dynamics of the society at large. At this time, many minority languages are threatened by modernization and urbanization, although others find support in new regional autonomy and movements toward cultural preservation. The 17 chapters of this collection describe the status of a number of minority languages. The topical variation on the state of minority languages is well illustrated in the first section of the book, in which three articles focus on national policies, educational issues, and communication styles or attitudes. The second section presents four studies reflecting the long-time academic concerns with multilingualism and the language proficiency of bilingual speakers in Europe. Two articles then report on the state of Native American minority languages in the United States and Mexico, and one considers the relevance of language planning in national policy. These discussions are followed by large-scale surveys and in-depth studies that analyze the status of minority languages in particular nations and demonstrate research approaches. A final section reflects on the future of minority languages in a changing world. References follow each chapter. (Contains 24 figures, 69 tables, and 4 schemas.) (SLD)