Advantages and disadvantages of beginning literacy instruction in the learner's native language are examined. Factors that need to be considered in choosing the language of instruction are presented. (SK)

Examines the trend in Germany, away from a strict avoidance of the mother tongue in second language instruction. (AM)

Explains how the introduction of Albanian as the language of instruction in Italian schools attended by native speakers of Albanian would help these students overcome their language problems. (CFM)

Discusses minority language education in Malaysia, a multilingual and multicultural country. Looks at four language minority groups and what they have done to to provide beginning education programs for their children that use the children's native languages. (Author/VWL)

A review of the research about languages, modes of expression, and usage rules and related cultural, linguistic, physiological, and sociopolitical issues concludes that more research is needed before any one method of communication can be recommended above others for the effective education of deaf children. (134 references) (CB)

Justifies research in the use of English in foreign language instruction, based on previous research on classroom interaction, instructional methods, and the nature of communicative competence. Sample exercises that indicate the uses of English in a foreign language classroom are appended. (MSE)

Identifies characteristics of first-language-based communicative activities for use in second language instruction, in particular authenticity of language usage and a targeted manipulation of learners' use of specific communication strategies. The use of first language materials in second language instruction can add variety and an element of…

Reviews literature regarding the intellectual and linguistic characteristics of Hispanic bilinguals, explores the understanding and proper use of psychometric tests with Hispanic children, and presents specific recommendations for the psychoeducational assessment of Puerto Rican bilingual children that involve the development and use of bilingual…

Compares the language laws of five Soviet Republics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, and Kazakhstan) with Quebec's Charter of the French Language along the following lines: proclamation of an official language; the common language in question; language of communication with customers and citizens; language of education; and linguistic…

Explores three major problems related to the use of Kiswahili as the language of instruction in Tanzania teacher training colleges, including the lack of a clear Kiswahili academic register; inadequately prepared tutors; and problems in the dissemination of terminologies. (19 references) (Author/CB)

Discusses the educational situation and lack of educational continuity in the language of instruction in North Slesvig, Denmark. (JL)

Analyzes the problems of mathematics education for Aboriginal-Australian children. The analysis attempts to show how mathematics can be appropriated by Aboriginal people in ways that will not lead to self-destruction but rather will enable self-determination for Aboriginal Australia. (25 references) (GLR)

This paper reports the language use of some 400 mothers in North Wales. Factors associated with language use are examined, including cross-language partnerships, past educational medium, and situation. (25 references) (JL)

It is argued that African countries need both local and foreign languages and that the roles of these languages are complementary. An African language can become official and national, and a medium of instruction; the choice is determined by political and socioeconomic factors. (21 references) (Author/LB)

Discusses the Hawaiian-language-revitalization effort, which is the most developed of any indigenous-language revitalization in the United States. During the last 15 years, Hawaiian-language revitalization has centered around establishing indigenous-medium/immersion education and implementing the official status of the language of Hawaii.…