A paradox is discussed that underlies the aims of linguists who attempt to influence, deliberately and systematically, the linguistic behavior of a community, while trying to avoid charges of prescriptivism. A balance between promoting feasible economic units and preserving linguistic diversity is advocated. (57 references) (Author/LB)

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…

Reports attitudes toward a 1994 South Africa language policy that declared 11 official languages. The decision had particular significance for the South African national defense force (SANDF). Special focus is on language practices at the Sixth South African Infantry Battalion in Eastern Cape Province. (Author/VWL)

Examines South Africa's 11-official-languages policy, with a focus on the current debate on mother tongue education versus education in a foreign language--English or Afrikaans. It is argued that for the new education policy to achieve its intended objective--to promote mother tongue education--then mother tongue education must be cleansed of the…

Examines creativity in Indian English and Singapore English. Highlights the differences between linguistic creativity and literary creativity in the two varieties and suggests that language planning policy and practice in the two countries are responsible for the differences found there. Implications for language planning are explored. (27…

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)

Although language policy in New Zealand is emerging piecemeal, without any clear central planning and without much of the data needed for sound policy development, political pressure from indigenous, community, and other language interest groups is interacting positively with government values and may still lead to a coherent national policy. (39…

Examines ongoing language reform work in Uzbekistan to see what principles and attitudes Uzbek language policy is based on and what impact it may have on the language situation in the country as a whole. (Author/JL)