Examines language-of-instruction policies in primary schools in Burundi, arguing that the use of French makes it difficult for teachers to cover the entire syllabus and encourages a vocabulary-building rather than academic orientation. Students who do not go on to secondary school do not maintain functional literacy in French. (27 references)…

Analyzes a language plan proposed by the Hong Kong government to promote Chinese as the medium of instruction in the education system. A brief history of the past language situation is provided, and an outline of the evolution of the proposed plan is highlighted. (31 references) (Author/VWL)

Examined was the possibility that the language teachers use to communicate science content may provide the context in which students formulate a world view of science. Results are presented and the implications of these results for teacher education programs are discussed. (Author/CW)

Outlines the development of African English with emphasis on the localized African English spoken in the Gambia. A brief history of the area is included along with a sample of the vocabulary and expressions found in Gambian English. (Author/OD)

Discussion of Indian higher education focuses on (1) language instruction and (2) language of instruction in India's multicultural and linguistically diverse society. The complex language situation is described, trends and patterns in second-language instruction and language use in various disciplines are outlined, and difficulties in establishing…

This article discusses the issues surrounding which language should be used for instruction in the Ukraine, where Ukrainian, the majority language, has suffered attrition. Also discussed is the choice of a modern foreign language for students in secondary and tertiary systems. (Contains 12 references.) (VWL)

Discusses policies, legislation, educational practices, and innovative early childhood programs designed to revitalize the languages and cultures of Catalonia and the Basque Autonomous Region. Opposition to these practices and programs is also discussed. (BG)

Although language policy in New Zealand is emerging piecemeal, without any clear central planning and without much of the data needed for sound policy development, political pressure from indigenous, community, and other language interest groups is interacting positively with government values and may still lead to a coherent national policy. (39…

Examines the Aotearoa/New Zealand context, charting the history of colonial educational provision for Maori from the nineteenth century, and then contrasting it with the recent developments in Maori-medium language programs within education. The reemergence of Maori tribal and urban authorities and their central role in the provision of new forms…

Criticizes the Unz/Tuchman "English for Children" initiative (R. Unz) a proposal that would place limited-English-speaking children in California together, regardless of age or academic abilities, for one year of intensive English instruction and no instruction in academic subjects before returning them to regular classes. Discusses the…

Investigates the effects of problem re-wording, language format, students' grade level, and academic achievement on understanding and solving word problems among Filipino-English bilingual students. Reveals that better understanding and solution performance occurred when problems were (1) re-worded, (2) in the students' first language, and (3) for…

The task of planning, negotiating, and implementing an international training project differs according to setting. This article provides a checklist for international project facilitators that suggests thoroughly assessing in advance: objectives, sponsors, skill levels, evaluation methods, equipment needs, software language, copying services,…

Examines the national language question in Morocco and the Moroccan government's development of an elaborate multisector language policy, which has particular significance for the education system. The policy aims at promoting Arabic as the language of literacy and wider communication. The background and implications of this policy are discussed.…

Describes Mozambique's recent experiment in bilingual education that utilized two Bantu languages in transitional programs for lower primary schooling. The program offered an alternative to exclusive Portuguese, a foreign language for 98% of Mozambicans. Evaluations suggest students benefited greatly from use of the mother tongue in terms of…

Examines the linguistic situation in Kenya and the teaching of Kiswahili in Kenyan schools. While there is widespread support for the school program, there are major problems to be overcome, particularly in the areas of language attitudes, teacher training, and course materials. (Author/VWL)