The group of case studies of family bilingualism examined the influences of maternal and paternal native language, schooling choices, travel and residence choices, and family background on development of bilingualism in the children. The families studied include eight Japanese-English bilingual families (one study including five generations) and two Chinese-Japanese families, including a total of 20 children. In each case, the family, language, and educational background of each family member is described and the family context for bilingualism is explored. The educational choices of the families and some of the main themes emerging in the case studies are also summarized. Themes identified include: the important influence of the parents in language development; the greater influence of the mother's native language; development of passive bilingualism; the role of parent language use in language loss or attrition; the differential roles of parent monolingualism and bilingualism; the influence of missionary upbringing; the importance of reinforcement of language skills in families changing location; long trips overseas as a factor in bilingual development; and the role of minority language literacy training in the home. (Contains 3 references.) (MSE)