In recent times debates about language and languages have increasingly become the battleground on which debates about immigration to the United Kingdom (U.K.) are fought. Since 2002 a series of legislative measures has been introduced to ensure that those who wish to become naturalized as citizens of the U.K. or to settle permanently in the U.K.…

Although the United States has had a language requirement for citizenship (through the naturalization process) since the first decade of the 20th century, very little research and discussion has taken place in academic circles about this requirement, which has been enforced for the past two decades through a test and testing practice to which…

Every government wants to appear to be tough on asylum seekers. But in failing to offer newcomers immediate access to English language learning one runs the risk of missing out on significant economic and social cohesion benefits. In this article, the author argues that asylum seekers need to get English language support in their first six months…

A significant number of community service-learning projects in higher education involve the teaching or tutoring of immigrants in English. As in related service-learning scholarship, these projects are commonly informed by perspectives on cultural difference, social justice, and power relations in U.S. society. Yet while faculty pair their…

This essay suggests that many factors cause English-as-a-Second-Language programs to be isolated from mainstream school processes and to be given marginal status. Factors include lack of experience, one-way assimilation, lack of empathy, melting pot myth, the English-only movement, and the continuing need for a "labor underclass." (24 references)…

Social problems such as prejudice, discrimination, and societal unfairness are examined from the perspective of their association with language. Research in the psychology of language is reviewed with regard to these issues and with particular reference to the situation in Quebec. The first question addressed is the role that attitudes play both…

Traces developments of English as an additional language in state-sector schools in England. Argues that the current conceptualization of EAL is linked to a particular view of the social integration of a linguistically and ethnically diverse society. Suggests that current thinking has led to questionable perceptions and practices associated with…

This book is the story of four nonnative children's acculturation into an American elementary school, as seen by the author, the teachers, the parents, and the children themselves. The book states that some of the challenges stem from linguistic barriers, but that others are cultural issues so endemic that neither the teacher nor the student is…

Integration is a process which works in two directions. It requires immigrant students to adapt and adhere to common values ... but it also requires an openness to diversity in the social and scholastic milieu of the host society. As a host language teacher and researcher, the author has long struggled with the definition of…

Presents various approaches that have been used in multicultural education in England. Research on Gujeratis in Britain is used to illustrate the process of theory construction. (12 references) (LT)

Provides transcript of roundtable discussion about two-way bilingual programs. Discusses the following: (1) reasons for success of programs; (2) spin-off advantages for pupils, schools, and community; and (3) obstacles bilingual education encounter. (PS)