Canada's growing population of international students brings ethnolinguistic diversity and socioeconomic benefits to their host communities. However, students often experience social exclusion and lack of belonging, reporting little communication with local community members for many cultural, ethnic, and religious reasons. The present study,…

Study-abroad programs tend to assume that their destinations are culturally and linguistically homogenous. However, Western English-speaking destinations, particularly metropolitan cities, have become increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse. Considering such sociolinguistic changes in these destinations, this research examines how…

Second language (L2) learning is widely acknowledged as complex due to variables such as learner, context, and target language. Such variables are particularly relevant to the learning of immigrant or indigenous languages in countries such as Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The motivational roles of such variables are considered…

Recently there has been considerable interest in the role of first language use in second/foreign language learning, especially where students share a common first language. However, most research has focused on in-class interaction between teachers and learners. Much less attention has been given to students' out-of-class practices, for example,…

A study examined the relationship between language experiences of Italo-Canadian students at home and school and their perceptions of group vitality and ethnic language maintenance. Subjects were in grade eight integrated and non-integrated heritage language programs. (58 references) (Author/MSE)

The debate over whether Canadian second-language teaching should emphasize language study or language experience is examined, and it is concluded that the emerging consensus is for integration of the two in English and French second-language instruction. The National Core French Study teaching model is recommended for all languages. (10…

Historical/sociocultural circumstances of the French language in Canada are outlined and the role of Quebec French in Canadian language education is discussed, focusing on its place in French teaching outside Quebec and in development of bilingualism. Establishment of a Quebecois language is viewed as essential to French Canadian cultural…

It is proposed that language studies must be linked to careers without sacrificing the discipline's educational core. A survey of language majors enrolled in the Applied Studies Co-op program at the University of Waterloo (Canada) shows one way to link language study and careers successfully. (Author/MSE)

A study examined the relationship of young Alsatians' language attitudes to both their language behavior at school and their linguistic norm and attitudes toward maintenance of their dialect. Results suggest that maintenance of minority languages can be helped by teaching linguistic minority youth to value their language and combat stereotypes.…

A study investigated the academic, sociocultural, psychological, and linguistic adaptation of a shy four-year-old native Cantonese-speaking child enrolled in early French immersion in Canada, learning English and French simultaneously. Areas of future research on trilingualism are suggested, and the popular belief that immersion works only for…

Graduates (n=42) of an innovative bilingual program were surveyed concerning their language use, social behavior, occupational behavior and expectations, and postsecondary education. Participants rated their language skills favorably and had positive attitudes toward other language groups. Graduates also pursued many career paths because of their…

The first stage of a study of Ottawa French immersion graduates at four universities examines their language skills; language use in university studies, work, and social life; attitudes toward the use of French; and opportunities for use and retention of advanced French skills at the universities. Research methodology is also discussed.…

Shows that underlying first language (L1) and second language (L2) lexical similarities between typologically unrelated languages can benefit L2 vocabulary learning. The article's comparison of the use of motion verbs in English by Chinese- and Japanese-speaking learners indicates an advantage for Chinese speakers, whose L1 lexicalizes motion in a…

Saskatchewan French immersion high school graduates were asked what influence that experience had on career/college choice, maintenance and/or improvement of French skills, self-assessment of French capabilities, assessment of and suggestions for the program, leisure time use of French, and placement of their own children in the program. Results…

The structure and programs of the multilingual European Schools network are outlined, focusing on the role of language in the curriculum. The schools' linguistic outcomes are compared with those of Canada's immersion programs. The use of social engineering to foster multilingual contacts is discussed. (MSE)