Although scholars have studied migrant children who translate for their families, less is known about how these experiences matter for life-long literacy experiences. This article argues that child language brokers develop advanced skills in literacy and rhetoric from which they draw throughout their lives, in multiple contexts.

This article suggests that literacy development in immigrant, refugee, and other historically marginalized communities can be understood as a response to rhetorical struggles in contexts of civic life. To illustrate this "rhetorical conception of literacy," the article examines a collection of anti-immigrant letters published in a Midwestern…

It is well-established that the effects of poverty are devastating for children in school. More generally, scholars have documented that low "socio-economic status" (SES), whether measured by family income, parent education, or parent occupation, is usually the most powerful predictor of achievement and test score performance, sometimes swamping…

The Hmong in the U.S., a refugee population from Southeast Asia, brought a rich culture with them. To maximize therapeutic success with Hmong clients, counselors must acknowledge and understand Hmong history, culture, and acculturation and the value placed on family and community. This article provides background information and suggestions for…

Drawing on ethnographic research on Hmongs, the author illustrates how her assumptions about literacy have been challenged and presents a new view of literacy with emphasis shifted from cognitive consequences to social context: literacy as a means through which relationships are negotiated. Makes suggestions for creating…

Discusses the the experiences of teachers gathered in the Bay Area Writing Project's Summer Invitational Institute to write, reflect on the process, and give workshops. Describes the presentation of one Hmong student, and highlights the importance of recognizing the home school connection for immigrant students. (Author/VWL)

Analyzes and introduces folklore and fairy tales of Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Hmong, and Southeast Asian cultures as compared to Western fairy tales and Western corruptions of Asian tales. Reviews several titles currently available and introduces the scholarly literature on Asian folk tales designed for Asian American parents. (JB)

Maintains that it is critical that caregivers and teachers learn to use Southeast Asian children's and parents' names properly. Discusses the structure and use of names among four Southeast Asian subgroups: Vietnamese, Cambodians, Laotians, and Hmongs. Teaching suggestions are offered. (BB)

The dramatic shift in immigration patterns is discussed. By the end of the 1980s Asian refugees will account for 75.2 percent and Southeast Asians will total 60 percent of immigrants. The new Asians are too often excluded from special programs and scholarships and forced to compete with native-born Asians. (MLW)

As the large immigrant/refugee population in the United States ages, mainstream institutions, such as schools, workplaces, and social services, are increasingly challenged to meet the needs of elders. Certain themes and difficulties in acculturation emerge repeatedly, including financial insecurities, health issues, loneliness and isolation,…