The director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian discusses the museum's mission to interpret Native American cultures from the perspectives of Native peoples; nontraditional uses of an associated cultural resources facility; the relationship between Native world views and universal values; and programmatic impact on Native…

Attempts at being polite can fail through unwitting violation of speech act rules (SARs). Several situations illustrate the use of "please" by Japanese users of English. The question of whose SARs should apply in intercultural communication in English is addressed. (Contains 13 references.) (Author)

Investigates the patterns in mentoring relationships among a group of 26 college or graduate educated Black data systems analysts. Finds that Black mentors play a significant role in helping Black proteges and that gender is not as important as cultural groups in predicting patterns of mentoring. (PRA)

Describes how, by participating in telecommunication networks such as the Learning Network, students benefit through defining themselves for other students who live in distant regions, and through new understandings of themselves in relationship to others. (SR)

Examines a cultural phenomenon of "freier," or "sucker," in Israeli society, reflecting almost diametrically opposed values of American immigrants and native Israelis. In 47 interviews with American immigrants concerning communication interactions, insight was gained into the status and posture of the immigrants in the host…

Discussion of techniques for college and university fundraising among international alumni looks at targeting prospective donors and their parents, keeping prospects connected to the institution through overseas student and faculty activities and alumni volunteers, communicating the importance of philanthropy, selecting a language to use, and…

Explores the classical roots of comparative education and related language issues. Three different strands of comparative education are identified, and the approach to language within each strand is discussed and illustrated. (Author/VWL)

Discusses issues concerning business communication on the international/intercultural level, including the connection between research and national agendas (for example, national goals and public service); and the quite different perspectives on English as an international business language that exists around the world. Introduces six articles on…

Offers an overview of some notable business-communication research from New Zealand and Australia, dealing with plain English in business communication, and form design and visual communication. Notes research on teaching business communication; mentions organizations that foster business-communication research in the region; and notes…

Examines the extent to which informal orders of the host educational environment affect conducting binational scientific projects in academic environments as perceived by the participants from the parties involved. Also studied is whether executing such projects is affected by linguistic factors. Projects under investigation were carried out by…

Examines similarities and differences in the degree of commitment and detachment in English, Bulgarian, and Bulgarian English research articles in linguistics. Analysis shows considerable difference in the overall distribution of hedges and boosters throughout the introductions, discussions, and conclusions of the articles, which may lead to…

Investigates the effect of cultural background of second-language-readers in different social contexts. Argues that cultural familiarity helps understanding more than the language of the text. Comprehension results are discussed in light of the role of multiculturalism and "melting-pot" policies in shaping minority students' social…

Surveys members of the Association of Language Excellence Centers in the United Kingdom and language training providers in Ireland to assess the level of language and cultural awareness. Finds the percentage of British and Irish companies carrying out an internal foreign language audit is disturbingly low, and the number of companies wishing to…

A teacher might demonstrate respect for immigrant children by a willingness to be awkward in dialogue with them, use body language and voice intonation, investigate their cultural heritage, and recognize the hardships faced by immigrant families. Showing intentness and commitment to bridging language gaps is equally important. (MLH)

Describes the profound learning that took place at the International Children's Theatre Festival in Toyama City, Japan in July 2000. Argues that participation by the Japanese-American Drama Ensemble, a youth group from the public schools in Lexington, Massachusetts, and more than 400 children from all over the planet, showcased the cultural…