The book contains eight papers originally presented at a University of Chicago conference on October 27-28, 1978, to discuss the socio-political consequences of different policies toward the Spanish language in the United States. Each pair of papers is followed by the remarks of the official discussants. The papers and their authors are: "Bilingualism in America," Pastora San Juan Cafferty; "Language and Political Consciousness among the Spanish-speaking in the United States: A Demographic Study," Leobardo F. Estrada (discussant: Theresa A. Sullivan); "Ethnicity and the State," Brian Barry; "Social and Political Implications of Language Policies: Observations on the Canadian Experience," Raymond Breton (discussant: Sigmund Diamond); "Bilingual Education in the United States: The'Either/Or' Mistake," Noel Epstein; "Psychological Conflicts in Bilingual American Residents: A Case Study," Dr. Horacio Fabrega (discussant: John Carroll); "Political Demands of Spanish-speaking Communities in the United States," Isidro Lucas; and "Discrimination Against the Spanish Language in Public Service: A Policy Alternative," Mario Obledo and Carlos Alcala. A final discussion and summary by James Coleman notes three major issues raised at the conference: should bilingualism be encouraged; should services and facilities be bilingual; and should cultural pluralism be encouraged. A list of participants is included. (SB)