This monograph examines the language planning situation in Sri Lanka with particular emphasis on the planning of Sinhala as an official language of the country. It explores the historical, social, ideological and political processes, changes in language policy decisions, as well as the complexities of the language policy and planning situation in…

This paper discusses the role of foreign languages, especially English, in Cypriot society. The discussion touches on a broad range of topics including the history of Cyprus, the current situation of the language and attitudes towards English. All are examined in the context of modern Cypriot culture. In the second part of this work, attitudes,…

This paper examines a specific group of English users in Germany: students studying English at the Freie Universitat Berlin. The first section outlines the various domains in which these students encounter English in their daily lives, both within and outside university, as they make and maintain intercultural connections. This analysis suggests…

This article explores the impacts of economic and cultural globalization on language and language education. It acknowledges the spread of English and the negative impacts of this upon other languages and language communities. The case is made that new conditions of economic dominance by multinational corporations raise the stakes for schooling…

Discusses the right of Deaf children to grow up bilingually. This involves the opportunity to acquire a sign language as well as the oral language spoken by the hearing community. Examines the role of both the sign language and the oral language for the Deaf child. (Author/VWL)

Examines the theoretical concept of the world Englishes in light of globalization. Outlines phenomena in the organic spread of English around the globe and raises the issue of opportunism in English language teaching. Ethical implications and implications for research on world English are discussed. (Author/VWL)

The notion of site is critical to ethnography and provides a sense of spatial stability--somewhere the researcher enters in order to research what is contained within. Using contemporary understandings of space, the author reflects on two studies to explore the (im)possibility of poststructuralist ethnography. The first study was undertaken in a…

This paper examines the issue of social structure and individual agency in language learning through the life histories of three young engineering graduates in Hong Kong. English is identified as an important form of cultural capital, which to a considerable extent determines the development of the three individuals, each of whom comes from a…

Learning new languages potentially gives people vital skills to build more successful relationships, and understanding the social influences at work today may help us to know which type of language education is most beneficial. This article explores three social influences--globalisation, localisation and glocalisation--from the perspective of…

Teacher educators use children's thinking activities as a means to prepare prospective teachers to teach mathematics. Research in methods courses and student teaching practica has shown these types of activities help prospective teachers deepen their own mathematical knowledge as well as better understand how children think. This study…

In reply to criticism from Wolfgang Butzkamm the author defends the desirability and necessity of foreign language instruction, French in particular, in the German educational system. Suggestions for improving the present modern language curriculum are made. (Text is in German.) (TL)

The interview questionnaire presented here was designed to elicit three kinds of response--(1) descriptions of Ethiopian language situations, (2) statements from which inferences can be drawn about the respondent's language-related attitudes and values, and (3) information about the respondent's personal history. See related document AL 001 283.…

Discusses the acquisition of foreign languages closely related to the learner's native language. The article argues that the transfer of elements from the native language plays a crucial role in the learning process. Results indicate that the native language hinders the learning process and that the lack of contrast blurs the linguistic structures…

Discusses the teaching of English in Brazil. Explores historical and national scenarios that contribute to the status quo, considers the role of English in the Brazilian pedagogical and linguistic landscape, and puts forward proposals for language teaching professionals to consider when articulating a national foreign language education that does…

Intentions about the type of English to be taught may be expressed, and curriculum requirements may specify the variety of English required of students in a given context. However, teachers, learners, and the setting may be at odds with the learner's exposure to English Suggests this is one of the areas where there is a failure to come to grips…