This regional dossier aims to provide a concise description of the European minority language, Cornish, in education. Aspects that are addressed include features of the education system, recent educational policies, main actors, legal arrangements and support structures, as well as quantitative aspects such as the number of schools, teachers,…

This paper deals with current questions in revitalizing the regional language Latgalian, one of the varieties native to Latgale, a region located in the eastern part of Latvia. It first provides an overview of domains where Latgalian is used and highlights recent changes in these. Based on linguistic landscape data as well as interviews with…

In this review of research in applied linguistics and language teaching and learning in Singapore, more than one hundred national publications for the period 2000-2007 will be reviewed. Since this period encompasses certain changes that were introduced in Singapore schools at the start of the new millennium, it would be appropriate to take stock…

Reports on a survey of mother tongue teaching and support for primary age pupils in England and Wales, undertaken as part of the Schools Council Mother Tongue Project. The analysis indicates that the majority of local education authorities now have a multilingual school population, and that bilingual pupils can communicate in a wide range of…

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…

Studies Inuktitut and English writing proficiencies with elementary students. Finds native language fluency increases at the expense of polysynthetic complexity as students progress through school. Explores the search for linguistic and cultural bridges in Canadian native and minority situations as a more considered approach to vernacular…

Australia has a unique range of language communities and language education needs. A variety of languages is currently offered to different groups of learners through diverse programs. Language teaching may be provided through bilingual education, limited-exposure programs, or compulsory language instruction. Federal and state education agencies,…

This document is a compilation of 20 papers from a seminar on educational policy and strategy for educating the indigenous peoples of Latin America and Mexico. There is a growing awareness among linguistics and anthropology specialists and educators of the necessity to validate education that respects the values of an indigenous culture. This…

Supports the theory of language policy formulation in a "conflict" paradigm (involving value, resources, and power) with a case example of the development of Ontario's Native language policy. Research and theory were applied to policy formulation when there was significant consensus regarding both societal and educational goals. (CB)

Reviews a 1994 U.S. General Accounting Office study entitled "Limited-English Proficiency: A Growing and Costly Educational Challenge Facing Many School Districts." The article argues that the report is biased in favor of full bilingual instruction over other methods of teaching English to limited English proficient students. (Contains…

Reviews a 1992 study of California's bilingual education program, entitled "Meeting the Challenge of Diversity: An Evaluation of Programs for Pupils with Limited English Proficiency," and argues that the report too easily attributes the disappointing outcomes of limited-English-proficient students to lack of sufficient resources rather…

Discusses the relationship between research, theory, and policy in language policy formulation in the context of a "conflict" paradigm. In bilingual programs in the United States and Canada, the sociological context of the debate plays a major role in determining the choice of issues to investigate. (CB)

A collection of essays focus on multilingualism and cultural diversity in United Kingdom schools, with emphasis on secondary education in some articles. The papers are: "Towards a Policy of Multilingual Secondary Schools" (Christopher Brumfit); "Curriculum Development" (Keith Kirby); "English, Whose English?" (Peter…

The report summarizes proceedings of a roundtable conference on native language maintenance and literacy education for indigenous populations, particularly in North America. On the first day, a morning session consisted of a sharing of thoughts and experiences of what literacy is, its value and meaning, issues surrounding native language literacy,…