In the modern era, the prevailing model of public education has been that of "one size fits all", with private schooling being a small but notable exception. Language (of instruction) was generally viewed as a minor variable readily overcome by standard classroom instruction. As researchers have sharpened their focus on the reasons for…

The author of this paper considers the influence of Paulo Freire's pedagogical philosophy on educational practice in three different geographical/political settings. She begins with reflections on her experience as a facilitator at Freire's seminar, held in Grenada in 1980 for teachers and community educators, on the integration of work and study.…

Examines the implications for education of a national language policy in South Africa, a region whose constitution recognizes 11 official languages. Argues that African languages must be used in the business of government if they are to remain viable as languages of instruction in schools. (Contains 13 references.) (NB)

Reports that English, Italian, and Arabic were the official languages of Somalia 1960, even though 95% of the population spoke Somali. However, under a totalitarian regime that came to power in the early 1970's, Somalia was able to promote Somali as the official language. Offers guidance for implementation of literacy campaigns. (Contains 18…

Discusses two studies that examine the effects of English, and its status as the official language, on Namibian languages. Finds that the numbers of students in African language classes in Namibia have been dropping significantly--in 1995 there were 100 students taking Oshindonga, and in 1999-2000 there was one. (Contains 66 references.) (NB)

Discusses the problems of the domination of the ex-colonial languages for intellectual life in Africa. Asserts that English serves fundamentally the interests of those for whom it is both an export commodity and a language of conquest and domination, and argues that there is no compelling reason for adopting a foreign language as a national one.…

Argues that global English usage is triggering linguistic genocide in many areas of the world. Equates globalization with war and colonization, and with power structures taking control of natural resources--including land, water, and humans. Asserts that education in a mother tongue must be a human right. (Contains 50 references.) (NB)

This essay contributes a Pacific Islands perspective to the global discussion of "Living Together: Education and Intercultural Dialogue". Through poetry and prose, this essay traces the impact of the Tongan concept of "vaa" (values/valued relationships) on learning and language. By invoking UNESCO's mandate to build peace…

Explores the role of English in ongoing processes of globalization, the reasons for its dominance, and the need for conceptual clarification in analyzing English worldwide. Asserts that language pedagogy must ensure that English is not learned subtractively, to the detriment of the mother tongue--only in this way can globalization be made more…

Addresses the danger of English in higher education in Norway, stating that if the mother tongue is replaced by English in academia, it does not develop at the highest levels. Discusses five phenomena threatening the Norwegian language, including the increasing use of English words and the recruitment of teachers who do not speak Norwegian.…

Reports that for centuries French language ideology has elaborated various types of discourses in order to establish linguistic dominance and hierarchy. Asserts that if these discourses could be recognized as a recursive prototype, counter-strategies could be developed to combat linguistic dominance, wherever it may be found. (Contains 30…

Focusing on Tanzania and the United States, this article examines the fallacy of a monolingual, English-only policy in education. It also examines the philosophy surrounding this debate and considers the detrimental effects upon students of attempting to impose a monolingual policy. Discusses the role of educational language in the quest for…

Argues that international monetary organizations influence debt-receiving countries in regard to their educational policies. Stresses the importance of retaining a national educational policy as a means of empowerment and liberation for its masses, and for creating stronger ethnic harmony. In particular, Sri Lanka must continue to teach in the…

States that despite the country's relatively small population and the globalization pressures from the international community, the Icelandic language and culture have remained strong. Reports that Iceland's language policy comes from the government's and official institutions' commitment to the people of Iceland, who are determined to preserve…

States that, for more than four centuries, Cyprus has employed both Turkish and Greek as its two main languages. Suggests that the island's lack of policies regarding bilingualism has weakened relations between these two cultural groups, and that the introduction of English makes their assimilation even more difficult. (Contains 19 references.)…