To examine the influence of Western perspectives on indigenous language teaching, a two-dimensional framework of approaches to language teaching is presented. A horizontal continuum concerning the nature of language ranges between form and function, and a vertical continuum concerning the nature of language learning ranges between construction and…

This digest focuses on teaching Spanish to native or Hispanic heritage language students in the United States. Heritage language students are students who speak another language (in this case Spanish) as their first language either because they were born in another country or because their families speak another language at home. The entrance of…

Reasons for which children of Bhutan learn English better than their native language, Dzongkha, are explored, including the overall language situation in Bhutan and its economic and cultural influences. Recommendations are made for increasing the learning and use of Dzongkha while retaining English in the school curriculum. The spread of English…

The report, entirely in French, describes Alberta's curriculum for seventh-year French native language instruction, as revised in 1998. An introductory section offers background information on the curriculum's design, links between the core curriculum and French native language instruction, underlying principles of language instruction, the…

Since Franco's death in 1975, one of Spain's most pressing problems has been how to encourage regional autonomy without destroying national unity. This paper considers how two regional groups--the Catalans and the Basques--are using the schools to promote use of their traditional languages and to strengthen ethnic identity. (Author/SJL)

Discusses problems associated with the implementation of mother tongue education in Zambia. Focus is on the sociolinguistic situation, language policy after independence, sociolinguistic implications, language use in different domains, language use and ethnic identity in Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania, prospects for mother tongue education; bilingual…

Argues that a return to native language education has escalated the tensions and contradictions of the politics of bilingualism. Examines the events pertinent to the language shift from English as a medium of instruction to Chinese in Hong Kong. Emphasizes controversial issues, such as parental choice, antagonism of elite classes, and group…

The Navajo Nation wants a 2-year Navajo language requirement for regional colleges. At the same time, literacy in academic English is required for Navajo students wishing to enter the sciences, medicine, and law. The difficulties students face as they make the transition from English to Navajo and from Navajo to English are described. Four…

Reviews a 1994 U.S. General Accounting Office study entitled "Limited-English Proficiency: A Growing and Costly Educational Challenge Facing Many School Districts." The article argues that the report is biased in favor of full bilingual instruction over other methods of teaching English to limited English proficient students. (Contains…

Presents various viewpoints on dual language acquisition by children. These include native language foundation, first-language monolinguals' vocabulary development, second-language learning, simultaneous acquisition strategies, television as a source of language learning, functions of language in discourse, analysis of conversation, syntax and…

Using comparative data from two Navajo community-school contexts, this article details the conditions within these and similar contexts that enable schools to authentically use and validate the local language. Six social engineering strategies are presented as a means to build dual-language programs. (seven references) (MDM)

Discusses the ways in which various American Indian community schools and programs have addressed the concept of language and cultural maintenance and renewal, focusing on the role of bilingual programs, classroom interactions, community involvement, and indigenous teachers. The perspectives of the Yupik Indians on indigenous education are…

Discusses language policy in Quebec, reviewing the rise of French as the dominant language in the province, the maintenance and promotion of heritage languages and cultures in public and private schools, and three initiatives to promote second-language study (parent-child classes for immigrants, French language courses for adults, and school…

Mail survey, telephone survey, and keeping time were compared as methods of assessing teaching time for 74 sixth grade teachers teaching language in the Netherlands. Results suggest that each of the three methods can be used to assess the mean total score, but none can assess individual scores. (SLD)

A 1996 literature review of 75 "methodologically acceptable" studies concluded that bilingual education was not beneficial. A reexamination of the literature review found only 11 studies that actually were methodologically acceptable. The application of metaanalysis to those 11 studies shows that at least some native language instruction is…