Despite the removal of the native English-speaking elite from their position of power in the Liberian social structure, English continues as the language of prestige and socioeconomic advancement. The continued strong role and use of English in Liberia demonstrates the importance of the spread of Western-based cultural values. (Author/DJD)

Stresses the importance of maintaining multilingualism in the United States in the face of arguments by "English Only" advocates that the U.S. risks being torn apart by multilingualism. Historical evidence from the Soviet Union and from Australia is cited to support the viability of successful management of multilingualism. (Author/DJD)

Attempts to consider all of the relevant aspects of the role of the Maori culture and language in developing New Zealand's language policy. Those aspects considered include national identity, cultural bias, and international communication needs. (Author/CB)

This brief survey of the field of psycholinguistics is intended for both students and anyone interested in language. It contains a summary overview of the main features of this area of language study: scope and principles of inquiry; basic concerns; and key concepts. Chapter topics include: language acquisition (first words, the birth of grammar,…

Current language policy planning in Ireland was examined as part of a larger study of the language behavior of groups with access or exposure to more than one language. Language can be seen as a resource to ethnic groups primarily in their competition for access to the goods and services of a nation. The norm for groups in prolonged contact is…

The findings of the High Council on Francophonism's 1985 meeting concerning the state of French language instruction and usage in publishing, the sciences, industry, and education worldwide are summarized, and strategies for improving the status of French are suggested. (MSE)

Drawing on the growing literature on language revitalization initiatives and examples of one Andean initiative in particular, the essay attempts to synthesize some common language corpus and language status transformations that threatened languages undergo during the process of revitalization. Specifically, it looks at the often unexpected changes…

Describes the process for developing a bilingual curriculum for Guatemala's four largest Mayan language groups. The process took into account the Mayans' maintenance of a distinct linguistic and cultural identity. The results of this experimental curriculum and the current direction of bilingual education in Guatemala are discussed. (Author/CB)

The second part of a study on the defense of the French language (see Part I in the Winter 1992 issue) presents historical overview of the Quebec government effort of renewing, normalizing, and promoting the French language in that province. The controversial aspects and effects of Law 101 are examined. (43 references) (LET)

Discussion of language minorities and language maintenance focuses on three issues: the meaning of the terms "minority" and "maintenance" in this context; the centrality of group identity to most minority-language issues; and initial attempts to address minority issues in more cross-disciplinary and intellectually complete ways. A seven-item…

In response to two earlier articles on the role of English language teaching (ELT) and English-medium instruction in India, the authors draw on their experiences in South Africa to outline a role for ELT teachers in maintaining and promoting multilingualism. This role includes participation in policy debates, professional activism, and the…

Describes the current language situation in Tunisia while maintaining a historical perspective that is helpful in understanding how language-related changes have come about, and a prospective view that may illuminate future developments. (Author/VWL)

The proceedings of a colloquium examining the status of French in Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) begin with an overview of the issues concerning the role of French in this multilingual, regional, cooperative union and a brief look at the future of French in the contemporary world. Discussions of the status of French in the six…

A Federal Government Policy in Nigeria aimed at unifying the country through the use of three major languages (Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo) has been inhibited because there are no teachers. Resistance from speakers of other languages to the enforced learning of one of the major languages also seems likely. Maintenance of English is suggested as the…

This work is one in a series that focuses on nine languages representing the bulk of the second language learning effort in Australian education (Arabic, Modern Standard Chinese, French, German, Modern Greek, Indonesian/Malay, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish). These languages were categorized as the Languages of Wider Teaching. Key areas addressed…