The study of language conflict in Ontario is part of a larger project that is analyzing the links between intercultural relations and legal mechanisms within this and three other Canadian provinces. This study looks at the problems created by the close proximity of communities using the two official languages, French and English, and at the rules…

This "communication lexicon," a new source of information in the field of language and area studies, describes how selected themes such as family, society, work, and entertainment are perceived and understood by members of the Mexican, Colombian, and United States cultures. It identifies broad trends of perceptions and evaluations…

A study investigated the use of pronoun and demonstrative reference and ellipsis as cohesive devices in conversation between interlanguage-speaking parents, their children, and the children's classmates. The 24 subjects included eight Italian-, Greek-, and Macedonian-speaking migrant parents, their primary-school-age children, and the children's…

Describes a pilot program designed to offer a curriculum for students interested in beginning the study of a foreign language as part of their preparation for international professions (engineering, business, sciences, etc.). Through interviews with representatives of international business, banking, and government agencies who have served abroad,…

The strategic and indirect use of language in academic discussions poses particular difficulties to non-native speakers of English. In order for English language teachers to address the needs of non-native speakers in this area, descriptions of how language is used by proficient speakers of English in academic discussions are required. This paper…

During the 1990s, there was heightened awareness among early childhood researchers of the need to examine efforts to provide programs and services responsive to the needs and preferences of families of young children from diverse cultural and linguistic groups. This Digest presents strategies supported by the research literature to enhance…

The workshop, "Adult Learning, Democracy, and Peace," had the important role of examining the relationship among adult learning, democracy, citizenship, gender, civil society, and a culture of peace. The speakers expressed a variety of opinions on the issue of globalization. Some rejected it as aggravating existing social tensions and inequalities…

For organizations providing support to mental health consumers, "cultural competency," or the ability to reach out effectively and appropriately to individuals of different cultural backgrounds, is central to meeting the needs of a diverse community. The Cultural Competency Initiative, which was launched in the year 2000, assisted…

Decades of research document the powerful academic and socio-affective benefits of a strong home language base and affirmation of home language and culture as a valuable resource. This article explores the implicit challenges, daily realities, opportunities, and practical implications of incorporating language and culture into classrooms as they…

This book documents an effort to interrupt current Aboriginal/European power relations and transform "business as usual" by altering prevailing social relations in a Canadian college classroom. The foundations of currently dominant Western educational models emphasize individual adaptation and skill development in response to the demands…

Traces the origins, development, and evolution of the German Association for American Studies from its inception in 1953 to the present day. The organization has endeavored to promote the knowledge of U.S. history and culture and to replace positive and negative stereotypes with an unbiased view of the United States. (MJP)

Peer response groups contribute to students' effectiveness as writers in any field, but cultural differences in communication affect interactions within the group. Culture-based dimensions on which communication may differ include individualism/collectivism, power distance, concept of "face," and communication style. Recommendations are…

International students have identified problems in the college classroom that hinder their learning, including listening difficulties, lack of understanding of differences in cultural background, poor oral communication skills, insufficient vocabulary, and poor writing skills. The students suggest both general and specific ways in which professors…

The importance of teaching students to communicate mathematically is discussed. Examined are ways to develop this skill. Activities and open-ended questions are included. The use of physical materials, cooperative groups, listening skills, and writing are stressed. (KR)

Provides insight into conditions in a developing country community. Discusses the impact of the agricultural program Heifer Project International on a Thai village. Urges teachers to make students aware of the connections of mutual interest and common humanity among all world citizens. Photographs of village included. (KO)