Describes recent efforts by members of the Ute tribe (northeastern Utah) to introduce a written form of the Ute language. Discusses several reasons for the resistance to Ute literacy among many members of the tribe and the steps that have been taken in response to these concerns. (EVL)

Focuses on Paul Maar's "Eine Woche voller Samstage," a children's novel revolving around the humorous and disruptive antics of the creature "Sams," and discusses its employment in the classroom as an opportunity to learn German and examine the role of language in the constitution of social, political, and cultural forms. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the role that language plays in education, with particular focus on the importance of dialog in learning and teaching. Suggests that while there is need for agreement about the outcomes to be aimed for, and genuine concern for equity and improvement in standards, a full recognition of the value and problems of diversity and acceptance of…

Discusses David Crystal's book, "English as a Global Language." Highlights the "history" of the dominance of English in the main English-speaking countries, language and global relations, language in education, and language rights. (VWL)

The global French-speaking community recognizes the need to better coordinate its efforts to assert the vitality of French in a world increasingly dominated by English. In pursuing this goal, the Francophone world has developed an identity crisis. Defenders of French face difficult questions about the relationship between language and culture and…

Suggests that despite intuitively evident connections, there are difficulties with identifying language as a significant cause of conflict escalation. By looking at links between language, discourse, conflict, and conflict resolution, this article aims to see of a discussion of these four key terms can contribute to a better understanding of…

Drawing on a literature review, considers the implications of a language systems perspective in relation to marriage and family counseling. Claims that the shift toward language systems might prove to be the most important theoretical advance in the behavior sciences since the cognitive revolution. (RJM)

Discussion of politics of the French language looks at the nature of linguistic politics, offers historical perspective on French linguistic politics, and argues that, in France, language is always linked to the State. Aspects of French linguistic politics concerning the language itself and its role in everyday life are examined. (MSE)

Examines the role of figurative languages--specifically analogy and metaphor, reification and simile, personification and animation--in two introductory-level science texts. (Author/VWL)

Discusses the value of second language (L2) learning and suggests that students who learn an L2 in school can develop literacy skills faster than students who do not learn an L2. Examines the role of metalinguistic awareness, the role of language learning in literacy development, and literacy in its cultural context. (Author/VWL)

Suggests adolescent second language speakers of English can better understand the second culture as embedded in the language, and feel more comfortable with expressing their sense of self through language, by discussing language and its use in the contexts of literary texts. Examines elements of the interface between language, culture, and…

Focuses on the worldliness of the English language, yet suggests hat English is not a universal language. Argues that English is the major medium of modern communication due to its ability to be open to new thoughts, ideas, and concepts. Discusses the role of English in the world with specific attention to English instruction throughout the world.…

A study examining the role of heritage language (HL) competence in social relationships among second-generation language minorities surveyed 114 Korean Americans. HL speakers had a strong ethnic identity and a greater understanding and knowledge of cultural values, ethics, and manners than HL nonspeakers. HL competence also provided professional…

Sets the language policy scene in Sweden in the broader perspective of the ongoing restructuring of global and local linguistic hierarchies. Analyzes myths about global English, the equality of the 11 official languages in the European Union, and the extent to which linguistic human rights are guaranteed. Trends in each of these language policy…

I draw attention to the distinction between reductionist views of "language" and the rich and complex ways in which we might approach language as social practice and suggest the latter view is evident in the set of papers collected here. Socially oriented linguists, including those in New Literacy Studies (NLS), look beyond reductionism, to…