Argues for the survival of the federalist language formula in the European (Economic) Community through a modified, more restricted form so as to be more functional and open to the demands of worldwide communication. It is suggested that, despite its weaknesses, it more adequately reflects the mosaic-like cultural heritage of Europe. (eight…

Examines the move toward federal constitutional rights for minority language populations and the trade-off considerations of implementing such a move. It is argued that minority language populations benefit from maintenance of decentralized language policies and that state bureaucratic agencies are more protective of language minority rights than…

Suggests that the Luso-Brazilian Accord is a strategy to spread the Portuguese language in Africa, particularly in the former colonies of Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome e Principe, and to construct and solidify a community of lusophone nations in geopolitical terms in world affairs. Language planning in these countries…

The teaching of national languages in Zaire is examined, underscoring the lack of an adequate infrastructure for defining a global policy. It is suggested that such policymaking must involve the collaboration of decision makers, scholars, teachers, scientific organizations, publishers, and translators and must consider economics and existing…

Argues that two influential studies of multilingualism in India are misleading in that they claim India's situation is unique and cherish this uniqueness as a value. It is proposed instead that this sociolinguistic diversity is inherently conflict-producing and leads to loss of "weak" languages, similar to documented situations in other…

Nigeria's language policies are examined, focusing on conflicting objectives, ideological motivations, and orientations. The conflicts are explained in terms of the sociohistorical development of the nation, its complex ethnolinguistic landscape, conflicting demands of nationalism and nationism, and the attempt to maintain cultural and linguistic…

Discusses how British language policies in India during the 18th and 19th centuries were characterized by a controversy between Anglicists and Orientalists. A study of the controversy shows a close relationship between language policies and political power. (36 references) (Author/CK)

Two policy documents supporting education for ethnolinguistic or socioeconomic minorities in Catalonia are examined, identifying underlying assumptions and the views of cultural diversity implicit in them. It is concluded that the policy is formulated vaguely, incorporates contradictory statements, and neglects learners' first languages. Further…