The use of informal group settings such as kaffeekranzchen for the maintenance of German language and culture among adult speakers is reported. Regular bimonthly kaffeekranzchen were held by a native German speaker at the suggestion of several German-Texan women, ranging in age from 40 to 79, who were interested in polishing and maintaining their…

This paper synthesizes ideas expressed in 25 papers from the 1997 Fourth Annual Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (Flagstaff, AZ) on teaching indigenous languages and argues that American Indian languages in particular should be maintained through the schools, not at the expense of the learning of English and not simply for archival…

Presents indigenous language revitalization resources, primarily organizations, web sites, and recent publications that are likely to be readily available on the Internet, in bookstores and university libraries, or by interlibrary loan. Includes listings of programs and organizations; videos; Internet indexes, sites, and discussion groups; books;…

Indigenous language programs that have a literacy component require reading materials. Recent advances in computer technology and certain legal changes in the publishing industry have made self-publishing such materials an easier task. This paper describes some of the steps necessary to self-publish indigenous language materials. Suggestions are…

This guidebook examines strategies, roles, and accountability measures necessary to embrace, share, and support the learning community in totality. The 16 guidelines offer strategies for each of five groups: learners, educators, schools/institutions, families, and communities. The guidelines include: incorporate cultural traditions, language,…

In this memorandum the National Immigration and Naturalization Board of Sweden has summarized recent legislative reforms providing home language training and home language lessons for immigrant children and children belonging to linguistic minorities. (A single definition of "immigrant children" has been applied throughout Sweden since…

Describes the role of social science research evidence in the development of federal and court policy on bilingual education through a review of important court decisions. Assesses the research evidence on policy alternatives for educational programs for non-English speaking students. Provides recommendations for improving educational achievement…

This booklet presents a clear and succinct description of the educational needs of francophone students, families, and communities, and how this all fits into the constitutional requirements of Canada as directed by the 1982 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and all subsequent amendments and Canadian Supreme Court rulings. It identifies the…

Project planners and coordinators should consider twelve tips to ensure that English language training projects in developing countries will continue after external funding and high-cost aid personnel are removed. Involving local participants at all stages of the project, assuring future maintenance, and providing adequate incentives are some…

The information gained from analysis of bilingual students' writing can be used to inform instruction that helps students improve their writing in Spanish and English. The writing of one native Spanish-speaking third grader is analyzed, and instructional strategies are given for helping the writer improve content and mechanics. (Author/TD)

These guidelines offer suggestions for strengthening Alaska's indigenous languages. The guidelines aim to provide assistance to the local language advisory committees created under Senate Bill 103, that are responsible for making recommendations about the future of the heritage language in their community. The underlying theme is that heritage…

This guidebook is intended for parents of French-speaking students in Alberta. It describes French-as-a-first-language education in Alberta and provides information to help parents, in collaboration with school personnel and the wider francophone community in Alberta, to preserve and develop their children's identity as speakers of French and as…

The approaches to language maintenance in Australia are diverse and heterogeneous and include at least three kinds of programs: bilingual education programs; ethnic school programs (after hours or weekend programs that are controlled and managed by the community concerned); and mainstream school programs where the indigenous native language is…

This paper comments on the lack of attention given to cross-cultural relationships between the United States and Quebec, Canada despite the growing trade relationship, and offers information on Quebec to use as cross-cultural examples in international business communication classes. The paper dispels myths concerning Quebec and its inhabitants,…

A bilingual education teacher from Alaska discusses the problem of Native language loss, his efforts to achieve literacy in his native Cheyenne language, and the important role bilingual education teachers have in language preservation. Strategies for language preservation include creating literature in Native languages and encouraging Native…