Among 42 second-generation Japanese-Canadian young adults who had attended Toronto secondary schools and a Japanese language Saturday school, Japanese oral and reading skills were related to each other and to ethnolinguistic identity and beliefs and interpersonal relationships with Japanese speakers. Japanese reading scores positively predicted…

Investigates the relationship between the curriculum structure and the learning of Chinese. Analyzes the characteristics of the South East Coast Version of the junior secondary school text from Chinese Mainland to inform the teaching and learning of Chinese in Hong Kong. (CMK)

What is a heritage language learner (HLL)? We argue that a pedagogically valuable answer to this question must do more than describe all individuals who ought be considered HLLs; it should also offer a roadmap for meeting the needs of HLLs with regard to language learning. To achieve this goal, which we refer to as achieving "explanatory…

Discusses bilingual students' backgrounds; language use and proficiency at home and school; and students' and parents' reactions to the bilingual program established for the children of Mexican immigrants. (RAE)

This second edition of "Key Data on Teaching Languages at School in Europe" contains 44 indicators in five chapters entitled "Context," "Organisation," "Participation," "Teachers" and "Teaching Processes." It has been produced in collaboration with Eurostat and belongs to the "Key…

The paper examines some critical issues regarding the Spanish language proficiency of bilingual education teachers, primarily those from the Spanish-language-origin community. Recent longitudinal studies have demonstrated a positive relationship between sustained native language instruction and student achievement. Because this finding is…

This digest outlines the reasons for and challenges of developing the language skills of heritage language speakers and describes one effort to carry this out, the Heritage Languages Initiative. Specific sections address the following: developing language skills of U.S. residents; the range of language proficiencies of heritage language speakers;…

For teachers of English as a Second Language, there are two tools that must be kept honed to maintain professionalism: (1) the quality of skills in the language being taught, even for native speakers, and (2) willingness to learn or improve skills in other languages. Both can be important in providing a high-quality learning experience for others.…

Basic English Writing (BEW) courses have been part of English learning curricula in many universities. Some research has been conducted to investigate various class designs for English language courses. However, class designs for English writing are not yet abundantly developed to provide more experimental results. The purpose of this study was to…

A bilingual education teacher training packet (student's edition) on theories and research concerning bilingual education, second language acquisition, and communicative competence is presented. A theoretical framework for integrating these theories and a theoretical rationale for bilingual education are also presented. In addition to…

A bilingual education teacher training packet (teacher's edition) on theories and research concerning bilingual education, second language acquisition, and communicative competence is presented. A theoretical framework for integrating these theories and a theoretical rationale for bilingual education are also presented. In addition to…

Patterns of French acquisition, use, and proficiency among Ontario anglophones are examined, and their implications for changes in both French native language instruction and French second language instruction to support the maintenance and use of French are examined. (MSE)

The Echota trace their roots to the Chickamauga Cherokee of North Alabama. Today the Echota number 22,000 with a tribal council that administers tribal lands, supports a dance team, publishes a newsletter, and supervises an Indian education program. One of the tribe's objectives is to revitalize the Cherokee language. Working with Auburn…

Outlines the history of multilingual policies in American education, citing cases in the 19th century where children were taught in their native languages. Also discusses court cases that have had an effect on present bilingual education legislation. Calls for a consistent language policy in American schools. (Author/GC)

Recent research and program evaluations show that the poor academic performance of many bilingual children was caused not by their bilingualism but by the school's attempts to eradicate that bilingualism. These findings demonstrate that bilingualism can positively affect minority children's development when their first language is promoted by the…