A young college French professor has won praise for her book about the experience of learning the language. She explores her childhood, education, and socialization as a young adult to tell why and how French became important to her. (MSE)

Discusses the notions and language of spatial relations of various cultures, particularly those of deaf students. (MKR)

Comparison of science knowledge, science vocabulary, and cognitive strategy use among 4 diverse groups of fourth-grade students (n=32) (monolingual English Caucasian, African American, bilingual Spanish, and bilingual Haitian Creole) found distinct patterns of knowledge. Appendixes include coding systems. Contains 50 references. (Author/MKR)

Looks at Europe-wide experiments on the role of Esperanto in facilitating language learning. (31 references) (Author)

Describes the use of signs in Elizabeth George Speare's "The Sign of the Beaver," in which a settler youth and a young Indian learn to communicate by signs, and how the signs reveal much about each character's culture. Summarizes the plot elements of the book, including characters who are not as sympathetic to the Indian point of view.…

Anecdotes about messages college presidents send to constituencies illustrate that language is powerful in conveying institutional values and expectations. Suggestions for using language more persuasively include (1) using terms that include rather than exclude and being sensitive to groups' preferred terminology; (2) avoiding inaccurate or…

The French law proposed in February 1994 concerning the proper use of the French language in France is discussed. The law's content, intent, and origins are described, including the history of legislation concerning regulation of French since 1539. Public opinion concerning regulation of the language is examined. (MSE)

It is proposed that, when individuals discover their own linguistic potential, they unlock the door to interpersonal and intercultural communication. An illustration: a situation in which young people from eastern and western European countries gather after a film festival to discuss what they have seen and immediately find rapport. (MSE)

Considers the right students have to the use of their own idiom in the classroom. Gives a historical overview of the 1974 "Students' Right" document prepared by the Conference on College Composition and Communication. Calls for a new view of language among English teachers. (HB)

Argues that the field of multicultural education, as it is currently conceived and practiced, is riven with theoretical inconsistencies and a seemingly terminal inability to translate its emancipatory intentions into actual practice. Describes the Richmond Road School in Auckland, New Zealand, which has implemented an informed, coherent, and…

Malaysia's long tradition of English medium instruction and bilingualism officially ended in 1970. This paper reviews the role of bilingualism in the development of the country, including the role of a bilingual population in national development and the possible effects of the abandonment of bilingual education. (Contains 38 references.)…

Contends that there are far more terms associated with war and conflict than terms about peace in the English language. Asserts that this circumstance is both a product of and a contribution to national values. Recommends using more emotional words and speech to talk about peace. (CFR)

Sustainability (preserving the environment) can become a reality if relevant information in an understandable frame of reference is brought to the public's attention. The public must learn to identify sustainable and nonsustainable activities so they can act in a responsible manner. (KS)

The author of an article on the spread and teaching of English as an international language (EIL) replies to others' response to his ideas on the role of English in various international circles, the contexts and patterns of use of English, and English second-language instruction. (MSE)

Discusses linking language with notions of collective identity and peoplehood by undertaking an historical inquiry into the ways conceptions of language, peoplehood, and nationhood have been interconnected in Guatemala. Focuses on Mayan languages and how they constitute Mayans as a distinct people, as distinct nationalities with a long history.…