Discussion of language minorities and language maintenance focuses on three issues: the meaning of the terms "minority" and "maintenance" in this context; the centrality of group identity to most minority-language issues; and initial attempts to address minority issues in more cross-disciplinary and intellectually complete ways. A seven-item…

Review of research on multilingualism in England examines recent responses to multilingualism within the national education system and growing tension between education policy and research. Notes research weaknesses in 1980s (inadequate study of language pedagogy, over-reliance on self-report data, treating Caribbean languages separately) and…

Data on foreign language learning and conversational usage from 12 European Union member states (n=13,029) indicate language learning has increased considerably in 40 years. Of the most commonly learned languages (English, French, German), English has gained most, suggesting emergence as a lingua franca. One analysis gauged the probability that a…

Describes the European Union's LINGUA program promoting foreign language competence as the result of political agenda-setting and European integration, finds it a form of language planning. Analyzes the five program priorities and attention given to promotion of the least widely used and taught languages, particularly in relation to English.…

Contains citations of 29 books, reports, articles, and essays on the role of English as a Second Language in Europe and its component countries. Although most are in English, others are in French, German, and Italian. The items cited span the period 1940-96, but most are from the 1990s. (MSE)

English as an international language (EIL) has spread through development of autonomous registers that guarantee specialist communication within global expert communities. Most people learn English for this, not for social conversation with native speakers. Therefore, EIL is English for special purposes. Rather than emphasize "authentic" usage,…

Examines attempts of the foreign language teaching profession to implement reforms, focusing on the "Standards for Foreign Language Learning" (1996). (48 references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on the role of English and the evolution of a distinct variety of English in Hong Kong. Discusses this "emerging" Hong Kong English and examines how various political changes might affect a future Hong Kong identity, such that Hong Kong English might emerge into a public as well as academic reality. (23 references) (Author/CK)

Focuses on recent clarifications of the nature of explanatory texts in science. Shows how a knowledge of the different organizational structures and language features of the various types of explanations can be used to enhance the use of reading and writing to learn. (AIM)

Asserts that social services remain largely unresponsive to the values and needs of Latino families. Discusses access to linguistically appropriate services, not just as a culturally competent practice, but also as a civil rights issue. Presents implications for all aspects of private and public child welfare, including investigations, foster…

Investigates the linguistic attitudes of college students in Lebanon toward the languages that help define the multilingual character of the country, namely, Arabic, French, and English. Students completed a questionnaire that assessed their attitudes towards the utility of each of the three languages. Results show students perceived French and…

A study revealed two problems that influence Australian students' attitudes toward the learning of Indonesian. Internal problems related to use of teaching facilities. External problems included (1) lack of knowledge about Indonesia in Queensland, (2) lack of awareness of importance of learning Indonesian, (3) marginal position of Indonesian in…

It is proposed that language studies must be linked to careers without sacrificing the discipline's educational core. A survey of language majors enrolled in the Applied Studies Co-op program at the University of Waterloo (Canada) shows one way to link language study and careers successfully. (Author/MSE)

A study investigated teacher, student, and supervisor attitudes toward and specific use of native Arabic in classes of English as a Second Language. Findings are reported, and recommendations for a systematic and purposeful use of the native language are made. (52 references) (MSE)

A brief annotated bibliography highlights theoretical issues, principal studies, and factors influencing second language retention, including initially attained proficiency levels, supportive environment, exposure to foreign languages, maturity and general self-awareness, literacy and its onset, and the perceived need for the language after…