A drastic restructuring of the governance and administration of education in Quebec is likely to fuel the debate on the role of parents in controlling the school system. However, the concurrent drive toward centralization and standardization will probably allow parent committees to exercise only token power. (Author/WD)

Discusses problems experienced by non-Anglo-Saxon university students in assimilating scientific and technical materials written in English. Argues that instruction imparted in a foreign language impoverishes the learner's language, affecting negatively his ability to function in the native environment. Supports the use of translations against…

Analyzes the problems of multilingual societies, arguing that multilingualism will not hinder economic development and communication, provided that the requirements of the various regional sections and social strata are respected. Denounces foreign language dominance as an instrument of colonialism and advocates enrichment of local languages…

The aim of this paper is to attempt a comparative analysis, in a historical context, of attempts to move education policy for Maoris in New Zealand and Indians in the United States away from an assimilationist model and to demonstrate the relevance of this comparison to contemporary developments. (Author)

A study conducted in Hong Kong investigated whether the native or a second language is a more effective medium of instruction. Students' performance and a survey of teacher opinions were used to compare Chinese middle schools and Anglo-Chinese schools. (MKM)

This paper examines the evidence on negative effects associated with Irish immersion programs and concludes that even in earlier immersion schools, which frequently lacked parental support, there is little evidence of detrimental academic effects. Many Irish immersion teachers emphasized the importance of parental commitment to immersion…

Undertakes to classify the various types of questions occurring in everyday speech for the use in foreign language teaching. (IFS/WGA)

Until basic reference books and materials were developed and curriculum writers trained in the various Micronesian languages, bilingual education programs consisted of little more than ESL. The article describes the difficulties encountered and the procedures utilized for successful development of quality educational programs based on the mother…

Traces the history of the advances and setbacks experienced by proponents of sign language in France and in the United States from the 18th century to the present. (AM)

Presents a collection of frequent errors, stock phrases teachers misuse that originate from a lack of acquaintance with the foreign land and culture, or from incorrect information. The correct versions are also given. The need is stressed for more attention to classroom English. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

A survey examined knowledge of the bilingual education program at a Houston (Texas) kindergarten among 19 Hispanic American parents. Few parents were familiar with the bilingual education practices and policies at their children's school, and their expectations for English-language instruction varied widely from what was actually happening in the…

Identifies two types of response to the possibility of teaching English as a lingua franca, where there is a break of the traditional assumption that a language is associated with one or more specific cultures. Taken from the German context, the issues raised are significant to most teachers of English, and for those who educate them. (Author/VWL)

Reports a study carried out on bilingual adolescents in a school in the Basque Country in which the language of instruction is Basque. Spanish and English are taught starting in Grade 3. Results show that all students are highly competent in Basque and Spanish, but students who use Basque in more domains get the best scores in English. (Author/VWL)

This paper examines the negative impact the linguistic situation in the Arab world, which is characterized by diglossia, has on Arab children's ability to acquire reading and writing skills in Arabic and on their academic attainment in general. Discusses specific obstacles posed by contemporary diglossia to the acquisition of literacy, including…

Sketches key facets in the larger socioeducational machinery that shapes the written textual production and consumption (WTPC) of English-medium (EM) and "vernacular-medium" (VM) students in Gujarat, India. Lays out ways in which articulator macro-structures align together to produce and shape conditions that privilege the WTPC of EM…