This paper outlines a new model of language revitalisation that understands language to be a characteristic of a nexus of social activities rather than an independent object. Language use is one of an overall set of factors contributing to the wellbeing of a particular community. Our model treats language as one node (or a cluster of nodes) in a…

This article presents an overview of the perceived importance and accelerated spread of English language education, both formal and informal, in three East Asian countries (i.e. China, Japan and South Korea) against the backdrop of globalisation and emergent ideological, sociocultural and educational trends. It begins with a review of the recent…

Summarizes ethnohistorical development of modern ethnography and assesses potential of this research methodology for study of bilingual classroom interactions. Looks at bilingual classroom from standpoint of conceptual and analytical problems to be faced in dealing with a bilingual and bicultural population. (Author/BK)

Outlines social psychological approach to language and ethnicity which allows understanding processes underlying group members' desires to create distinctive ethnolinguistic varieties. Evaluates Gardner's and Clement's social psychological models of second language acquisition in interethnic contexts; proposes specific social psychological…

Describes a study which attempts to link micro and macro approaches in the study of societal multilingualism while introducing a diachronic perspective. The sociolinguistic profile of Senegal is used as a point of departure followed by an outline of sociohistorical factors which contributed to language use. Discusses the social implications of…

Switzerland's multilingual and multicultural image as an exemplary model of successful cohabitation and conflict management gives a misleading static impression of harmonious intercultural relations. The highly complex Swiss society faces challenges from the coalition of cultural and linguistic entities that live beside, rather than with, one…

Discusses a study on bilingualism and factors of ethnic identity in Saare/Tsaragi, a border area in Nigeria where two languages are used regularly. Interviews elicited information on language ability and use, language attitudes, and interethnic relations. Results indicate similar patterns between groups of bilingual ability and attitudes but…

Presents a model of the sociocultural circumstances surrounding the development of language policies and planning and of bilingual education programs in the United States and three Andean countries: Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. (Author/CB)

Examines factors underlying the disappearance of Native American languages, examines success stories of language maintenance, and offers possible solutions to the problem of the disappearance of these minority languages and the accompanying loss of cultural identity. (20 references) (Author/CK)