This monograph discusses the problem of the language barrier in scientific and technological development in terms of several parameters describing the flow of scientific information from one language to another. The numerical values of the language barrier parameters of the model are calculated in the field of information on second language methodology available at the National University of Trujillo (Peru). The language barrier problem for students of medicine, physics and mathematics, and chemical engineering at the same university is described on the basis of a survey among students. Reducing the language barrier is of special importance for Latin America. It is suggested that an effective strategy should include action insuring improvement of second language teaching, scientific training of translators, increase of the influx of scientific information into Spanish through selective translations, and cooperation at an international level. (Text is in Spanish.) (Author/AMH)