Describes a new educational program for multilingual information officers at the Institut Universitaire de Technologie of the Toulouse University of Sciences (France). General and technical courses are given in French and foreign languages so that graduates can take positions and quickly become effective in organizations with international…

Applies constructs of language as economic and symbolic capital, transnationalism, investment, and imagined community to analysis of interviews with immigrant parents living in Vancouver, Canada. These parents promote multilingualism by maintaining their family language and enrolling their children in French immersion programs. Argues they view…

Focuses on efforts to improve standards of English among seafarers, including a top-down approach to language learning utilized by industry regulators and training establishments. Considers the effectiveness of top-down approaches to language development, drawing on ethnographic research conducted aboard vessels with multilingual crews.…

Examines how different pedagogical approaches in English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) answer questions regarding how multilingual writers should position themselves toward their vernacular community and the academic community. (Author/VWL)

Drawing on sociolinguistic research, points out that some patterns of socially appropriate language use in Indonesia actually involve Indonesian only to the extent that those interacting wish to maintain social distance, while regional languages are used to promote closer social ties. Suggests Indonesian programs require some rethinking in view of…

Examines Nigeria's language policies in terms of (1) the historical, sociolinguistic, political, educational, and ideological contexts in which they arose; (2) their impact on patterns of language choice and use in education and other aspects of life; and (3) their implications for the theory and practice of language planning. (51 references) (GLR)

The United States is the most monolingual of all developed countries. Unstated U.S. policies toward bilingualism and the teaching of foreign languages are detrimental in today's world. Having many citizens who are multilingual is beneficial for individuals and the country; the teaching of languages must be encouraged. (SM)

Discusses current research and issues concerning multilingual learners, and makes suggestions for school programs addressing bilingualism and multilingualism. (MM)

Analyzes the results of a study undertaken in Switzerland, which was designed to determine the degree of integration of non-Italian children in Italian-language nursery schools in the German part of Switzerland. Attempts to synthesize the ethnic and lingusitic elements of the study are made. (CFM)

Examines multilingual settings in Canada and Germany and explores the differentiation between second- and third-language acquisition as well as the differentiation between acquisition and learning. The article outlines priority areas for further research and presents the prospects for a greater recognition of multilingualism as a resource in…

Describes a program established in Los Angeles to introduce curbside recycling and automated trash collection to multilingual residents. Discusses a grass-roots community-based outreach strategy designed to change attitudes toward waste. (LZ)

Attitudes expressed by participants of a 1992 conference on the politics of multilingualism, particularly in the new European context, are summarized. Issues addressed include the role of French as a universal language, the concept of national identity, and the relationships between language and world view and between language and political…

The European Community is facing the dilemma of respecting and maintaining Europe's traditional national languages and cultures while facilitating communication. This objective can be met by expecting all citizens to speak in their native languages but understand several others, placing emphasis on comprehension in second-language instruction.…

An interview with Umberto Eco, novelist and linguist, addresses issues in international communication of the future, and particularly the role of Esperanto in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse world society. Topics discussed include translation, native language and multilingualism, and politics of language. (MSE)

Educational, economic/political, developmental perspectives form debate concerning use of minority languages for literacy. Grounds for dialogue among people who hold these perspectives can be found in establishing common set of questions to be asked in multilingual contexts. In wider context, appropriate question is how multilingual approach can…