Discusses some of the history of bilingual education in the United States, the efforts of the Supreme Court to develop bilingual education, and the resistance by some groups to the growth of bilingual education. (RK)

Suggests that bilingual children, because of their sensitivity to contexts for using their two languages, are likely to have a heightened awareness of the possible range of contexts for literacy and the range of communicative functions which written messages may convey. Also argues for an apporach to early literacy that acknowledges the importance…

Examines ways authority comes to inhabit language. Schools are directly involved in production and distribution of authoritative discourse. In the French-speaking West Indies students are taught in the official language of authority (the French of France) rather than that of their everyday life (Creole). (Author/LHW)

Most East African nations have adopted the colonial languages of English or French as the medium of communication and education. One notable exception is Tanzania where, while each ethnic group has its own language, Kiswahili serves as an effective lingua franca. (RM)

Filipinos speak more than a hundred different languages, 10 to 15 of which are major. In addition, the Philippines was occupied by two foreign powers, each speaking a different language, i.e., Spanish and English. This situation has resulted in a number of different language policies throughout the country's history. These policies are discussed.…

Examines assumptions about second language acquisition by means of the anatomical model described in Part 1 of the study (see vol. 6, no. 2 of this journal). The analysis shows that the assumptions are rooted in the Direct Method and that they retard learning. Implications for second language instruction are noted. (SED)

An evaluation of the Six-Year Primary Project showed that Nigerian students who were taught in their mother-tongue (Yoruba) for the first six years of primary school scored higher academically than students who were taught with their mother-tongue for the first three years and then were switched to English. (RM)

The political changes which have occurred in Spain, e.g., the introduction of a democratic system of government, have made it possible for Catalonia to re-establish the official use of its language--Catalan--and to use this language in education. This process of change and educational practices today are discussed. (RM)

Discusses the positive aspects of a program that allows students to provide instruction for one another in their native languages and explains that children may absorb a number of facts from such instruction. (DF)

This article describes the English-Navajo bilingual education program at Rock Point, Arizona, and reports on the results of various reading achievement tests illustrating that learning to read in one's mother tongue will result in better reading skills, and will improve second language reading skills. (CLK)

This volume brings together scholars from around the world to juxtapose the voices of classroom participants alongside the voices of ruling elites with the aim of critically linking language policy issues with classroom practice in a range of contexts. The volume is suitable for postgraduate students, researchers and educators in a range of areas.…

This monograph describes contrasting classroom methods and experiences teaching reading in Malawi (where reading is taught through the medium of a local language) and in Zambia (where the medium used is English). In describing research carried out in Malawi and Zambia, the monograph specifically discusses the importance of the research for those…

This book presents an account of the rise of English as a global language and explores the history, current status, and future potential of English as the international language of communication. Five chapters focus on the following: (1) "Why a Global Language?" (e.g., what a global language is, what makes a language global, and why a…

This digest provides general information on the characteristics of English language learners (ELLs) in U.S. preschool and primary school programs and describes learning conditions and instructional practices that are most effective for educating young ELLs. The digest suggests that as young ELLs enroll in preschool and primary school programs in…

This paper examines the political status of Romani. the language of the Gypsies/Roma, in the European Union (EU). Even though some groups do not call themselves "Roma," all Romani speaking groups use the name "Romanes" for their language and "Romani/Romano/Romane" for everything related to their group. All groups use…