Argues for an awareness on the part of employers and teachers of the important role language skills can play in industry. (AM)

Potential changes in education are examined against a background of pluralism in American educational history in comparison to the relative prestige of foreign language learning in the curriculum. Foreign languages suffer today from competition brought about by limited finances, early release programs, and many electives. (SW)

Examined role of linguistic demarcation of numerals on cognitive representations of numbers with Caucasian children, 5-7 years old. Theorized that the linguistic paradigm does not always support the idea that language affects number concepts and that children's performance is shaped by other constraints. Results suggest that the task reflects…

Assessed the arithmetical competencies of 105 American and 104 Chinese elementary school students at the beginning and end of the U.S. school year. Results suggest the Chinese advantage in early mathematical development is related to a combination of language- and school-related factors. (MDM)

Examines the role of English worldwide and introduces paradigms: a "diffusion-of-English paradigm" and an "ecology-of-language paradigm." Discussion of the two paradigms in light of recent tendencies within the European Union, the postcommunist states, and the international arena emphasizes the alliance between language…

A discourse technique, re-framing a dispute in terms favorable to the speaker, is discussed as it has implications for lawyering and legal education. Literature on this approach to argument is reviewed, addressing such issues as constructive and destructive forms and avoidance of confrontation; and several discourse models are outlined. The…

Combines sociological and discourse analytic viewpoints in order to explore how central aspects of academic cultures are produced and reproduced in texts. Focuses on the scientific knowledge claim and demonstrates how the expression of claims provides a link between the structure of disciplinary culture and the particular forms of language that…

Although rich in theoretical constructs, American Indian Studies is not considered a discipline because it lacks a core assumption or paradigm. The concept of peoplehood could be that core assumption because its elements--language, sacred history, religion, and land--make up a complete system that accounts for particular behaviors of people…

Identifies two types of response to the possibility of teaching English as a lingua franca, where there is a break of the traditional assumption that a language is associated with one or more specific cultures. Taken from the German context, the issues raised are significant to most teachers of English, and for those who educate them. (Author/VWL)

Since Lithuania's exit from the Soviet bloc and because of its desire to associate more with the West, a revolution is occurring in its system of second-language education. Greater emphasis is being placed on English, German, and French instruction. The image of France is very positive in Lithuania, French cultural groups are active, and…

Chronicles Ethiopia's history of language policy, and describes the first three years of the country's initiative to provide native language instruction to all its people, focusing on the materials development process and program effectiveness. Teachers are working to develop content-area instructional materials in eight of over fifty languages.…

Presents observations from an agro-pastoral village in the Andes, at the periphery of Lima and from an upper class shopping area and discusses attitudes toward the state-driven promotion of English. Results suggest that there is a belief that English competence is needed for technological advancement, employment opportunities, national progress,…

Addresses the issue of English in South America through the investigation of attitudes toward English by a group of MBA students in Argentina. A survey questionnaire was administered and its analysis and the relationship between attitudes and the sociopolitical environment are explored. Concludes with a cal for more conscientious inclusion of…

Examines the shifting role and status of English within social, economic, and political contexts in China from a historical perspective in order to understand state educational policy regarding the language. Argues that since the mid-19th century, the government of China has avoided the potential pitfalls of cultural transfer by adopting a…

Considers the status and corpus planning aspects of three of Peru's Quechua policies in light of the language planning orientations of language-as-problem, language-as-right, and language-as-resource. Current Quechua/Spanish bilingual education recognizes the rights of Quechua speakers and the role of the language as a national resource.…