Examines second-language vocabulary knowledge and acquisition by reviewing research on levels of lexical proficiency and on qualitative differences in the oral and written communication of French immersion students as compared to that of their francophone peers. Argues for improved vocabulary instruction in immersion programs. (MDM)

Discusses the use of Language Medium Teaching (LMT) in an experimental project at Craigroyston High School in Edinburgh, Scotland. Students in the LMT immersion program are taught geography in French. Also discussed are the use of LMT in the Scottish Primary Pilot program at Balerno High School and its feeder primary schools. (MDM)

The effectiveness of content-based second language instruction at the university level in Turkey is examined. Results from questionnaire and observational data suggest that content-based second language instruction improves students' receptive skills but is not as successful in promoting an ability to engage in meaningful, communicative activities…

A study investigated the academic, sociocultural, psychological, and linguistic adaptation of a shy four-year-old native Cantonese-speaking child enrolled in early French immersion in Canada, learning English and French simultaneously. Areas of future research on trilingualism are suggested, and the popular belief that immersion works only for…

An interview with Guy Roy, adjunct minister of education and professional education in Manitoba (Canada), explores the role of French, French language instruction, and French-language education outside Quebec Province, and specifically in Manitoba. Issues discussed include language and cultural maintenance, immersion education, language attitudes,…

The influence of bilingualism on third language learning in a bilingual community is examined. Measures of the English-language achievement of students instructed through the majority (Spanish) and minority (Basque) languages, suggest that bilingualism and other variables (intelligence, motivation, age, exposure) were good predictors of…

It is proposed that both home and classroom reading activities influence writing skill acquisition. Relevant research in first- and second-language learning is reviewed and use of reading and independent reading to enhance writing skill acquisition is discussed. Extensive use of these activities in the French immersion classroom is recommended.…

Research on multilingualism and learning of additional languages is reviewed, focusing on research on minority language children in immersion and double-immersion programs and the factors related to success. Early partial immersion is seen as more feasible than full immersion for this group, with middle immersion the best option yet researched.…

Focuses on the question of administration when French language immersion programs are integrated into English instruction schools. It is argued that bilingual administration would be better than unilingual in fulfilling immersion teachers' needs, helping lessen conflict, and provide the leadership needed for program integration into the school…

Discusses the Tri-University Conference on Languages, Literacy, and Education held at Faculte Saint Jean of the University of Alberta in October 1988. Conference goals were to discuss issues that pertain to literacy and academic achievement in minority and second-language programs and to make recommendations for teacher preparation to improve…

Drawing on social and political theory, this article argues that the retention and promotion of specific group-based rights--in this case, indigenous language and education rights--need not result in social and linguistic closure. Principles underlying such rights are illustrated by an extended analysis of recent Maori language-immersion…

Draws on sociocultural theories of language and learning and research on bilingual families to examine home language practices of trilingual-immersion students. Ethnography was used to explore daily language use at home, children's views of their identity as trilingual, families' values of maintenance and additional language learning, and reasons…

Provides support for a theoretical orientation toward viewing dialog as both a means of communication and a cognitive tool. Data to support this position come from an analysis of language-related episodes isolated in the dialog of two grade 8 French immersion students as they carry out a jigsaw task. (Author/VWL)

Compares the acquisition of English as a third language by Catalan/Spanish bilingual high school students in an immersion program with the acquisition of English by Spanish monolinguals. Data from 201 participants were submitted to a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, rendering results that show that bilingualism has a positive effect on…

Describes development since 1985 of a Maori immersion school for children aged 5-17. Provides background on Maori and New Zealand history, the Waikato tribe and the community, indigenous language revitalization efforts, and national school restructuring that facilitated Maori immersion programs. Discusses the school's educational practices,…