In Ireland, children learn Irish and perhaps another second language in school, but use English almost exclusively outside those classes. In addition, the classes most concerned with communication (i.e., language classes) are those the most empty of material about which to communicate. This experience with language learning may diminish students'…

Discusses the advantages of a bilingual education, and in particular the benefits of mother tongue instruction on the learning of the second language. (AM)

Reviews Berstein's and Atkinson's position that there is a radical discontinuity between the modes of communication which predominate in schools and those to which many students are accustomed. Questions Berstein's assumption that school language "codes" can be openly challenged by pupils who wish to alter a body of received knowledge.…

Sixteen concept words related to "matter" were described as simple textbook definitions and 16 multiple-choice items were constructed for each concept definition. These materials were used to compare the ability of 1,635 Tasmanian and 826 Indian students to recognize the concept definitions and their attendant verbal labels. (JN)

Examination programs in Hong Kong are decribed. Examinations include (1) the Hong Kong Higher Level Examination, taken at the end of Sixth Form in Chinese middle schools; (2) the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination, taken at the end of the Sixth Form in Anglo-Chinese schools; and (3) the Use of English Examination. (LMO)

Presents the results of a two-year study of the use of language in ceramics classes. Provides sample dialogues and data on several topics, including: (1) problems of subject terminology, (2) teachers' assumptions of student knowledge and understanding of the subject, and (3) the proportion of time given to the use of verbal language. (JDH)

This paper focusses on factors which might inform language education policy makers in Caribbean territories where a creole language interacts with other languages having recognized standards. (POP)

This guide, aimed primarily at school administrators and school counselors, is a reference manual to be used in conjunction with the corresponding sections of the School Act, RSA 2000 and the Local Authorities Election Act RSA, and any other related legislation. The document provides historical background on the right to choose the language of…

This paper discusses the protection of linguistic rights, focusing on the constitutional and legal experience in Europe. It addresses state plurilingualism, then examines general principles (the legal status of languages, equality, and multilingualism in representative institutions). Next, it discusses recognition of linguistic rights (the right…

Notes that in Nigeria, where English is the language of instruction, more English language literature books for children, as well as those in the indigenous languages, are needed to encourage children to read for pleasure. (FL)

Reports on a study of the relationship between language and learning in school mathematics. Argues that learning mathematics requires transformational shifts between "less mathematical" language and "more mathematical" language. Proposes a model where mathematical meanings are constructed within the shift toward increasingly mathematical language.…

Examines the colonial government's language policies, its efforts to replace Korean by Japanese as a national language, and the effect of various policies on the decline of English language education and its virtual endings between 1938 and 1945. (Author/VWL)

Studied relationships among academic self-concept, academic achievement, and language of instruction (Chinese or English) for 7,802 high school students in Hong Kong. Prior self-concept had significant effects on subsequent achievement beyond the effects of prior achievement, and prior achievement had effects on subsequent self-concept as well.…

An analysis of the language of instruction in Hong Kong universities found a mismatch between espoused theory/policy and theory in use with respect to English as the medium of instruction, English as a second language, and improvement of English standards. Student comments suggested that the discrepancies lead to declining standards because of…

Examines the use of Pacific languages in the teaching of the University of the South Pacific (USP). In introducing Pacific languages, the USP is responding to language planning in the various countries that operate the university. The challenge has been to integrate Pacific languages into university structures by creating both individual units…