This article presents the author's speech for the languages leader event on September 21, 2005. This speech focuses on the importance of learning languages, and in particular, the role that the Higher Education sector can play in making a reality of the Department's National Languages Strategy. In his speech, the author describes how UK fares…

The study described in this article took place in an international consortium type model program. The International Teacher Education Program (ITEP) is a California State University System (CSUS) credential program for elementary teacher candidates who are pursuing teacher certification as bilingual teachers (Spanish). Besides San Diego State…

Many foreign language professionals do not realize that global and international education are hollow shells if they are designed and implemented using sources presented in only one language and with reliance on only one perspective from which to address world accomplishments and problems. Foreign language professionals should insist on a…

The point is made that, though foreign language teachers often have among their goals the knowledge by students of the unique patterns of thought, behavior and attitudes that characterize members of a target culture, there have been few systematic attempts to evaluate these outcomes. A general design for such a test is suggested, including three…

The immigrant experience in the USA has led to expectations of cultural and linguistic assimilation within two to three generations. However, the immigrant situation today is far different from what it has been traditionally. For many, the immigrant experience is a transnational one, with newcomers maintaining roots in the homeland while setting…

In an article on English and national identity, Spring gives a historical survey of the role of English and its relation to Japanese national identity. Although English was discouraged during World War II, as it was considered the language of enemy, it was again "made an important academic language and in 1956 was included in entrance…

Language is crucial in our lives and to all disciplines. It affects our well-being individually and collectively and touches important sociopolitical issues. Linguists/applied linguists have exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary research and to work in contexts personally meaningful to them. While language is the concern of all people,…

More than ever before, educational institutions are called upon to prepare young children for the demands of an increasingly globalised world and the challenges of preserving our biosphere upon which all human life depends. In order to provide them with the personal and professional foundations they need to participate in a multilingual and…

Programs, particularly, language teaching, undertaken in Sweden with a view to promoting immigrant adjustment, involve folk high schools, voluntary adult education associations, and municipal adult education. Reaching the isolated immigrant woman and arranging family courses are some of the avenues explored. (JH)

This paper examines how attitudes toward teaching English may need to change in the 21st century, noting shifts in the environment within which language teachers and learners operate that relate partly to the English language itself and partly to the political and social contexts within which it is used. The paper considers various positions…

Discusses increase in use of phrase "global interdependence;" foreign languages and their relation to security and national defense; the fact that business has been sensitive to the need for more knowledge of foreign languages; and the positive trend that a majority of the American people recognize the value of foreign language study. (BK)

Argues, from a sociolinguistic perspective, that second language (L2) research could usefully engage with some of the debates concerning postmodernity. Suggests that globalization presents an important range of empirical phenomena requiring serious L2 study. Indicates the kinds of linguistic assumptions that ideas about postmodernity draw into…

Refutes the concept that a single and universal tongue is ideal and the rich diversity of languages is an unfortunate state of affairs, pointing out that the mastery of several languages enhances cultural understanding and experience. (eight references) (CB)

Historically and increasingly around the world, English carries ideologies and discourses that conflict with each other, ranging from the liberation struggles in Africa to different nations' international radio broadcasts. In multi-sided and often ambivalent ways, English serves as the medium for forces on different sides of significant world…

The challenge posed to foreign language (FL) education by globalization and by the multilingual multicultural speech communities it has spawned is showcased by the current crisis in the teaching of German at American colleges and universities. It is not clear why American learners of German should be learning German: for business purposes, for…