It is through continued exposure that Black students can learn the principles of the written language. How well these students understand and apply such principles depends on what objectives are set, what materials and strategies are used, and what classroom environment is created by the teacher. (Author/RK)

Describes issues which emerged when undergraduates implemented a preventively oriented educational program for disadvantaged children. Undergraduates unwittingly imposed standard English and inculcated mainstream cultural norms. Efforts were made to identify and resolve these problems to support and strengthen the children's traditions, values and…

An explanatory model of the relationship between mother tongue retention, population ratio, and intermarriage is presented. In general, data collected on mother tongue retention in Singapore, a multilingual and multiethnic society, support the proposed model. (DS)

Detailed analysis of frequencies of the primary auxiliary verb "be" in Scots dramatic texts leads to consideration of the typological relationship said to exist between different varieties of Scots and between them and standard English. (Author/CB)

Patterns of French acquisition, use, and proficiency among Ontario anglophones are examined, and their implications for changes in both French native language instruction and French second language instruction to support the maintenance and use of French are examined. (MSE)

Argues that many interventions for introducing Aboriginal children to literacy continue to be based on "language deficit" models. Examines whether there is indeed a mismatch between the nonstandard spoken language of some Aboriginal children and textbook language. (RAE)

Includes annotated bibliographies of young adult books written in the 1980s by Black authors. Selections intended to interest Black teenagers represent both historical and contemporary realistic fiction. (NKA)

A study examining the mechanism of tone changes in the dialects of northern Chinese explored the geographic distribution on tone features manifested in 480 dialects. A set of prototypical tone patterns is proposed to form a basis for dialectal subgrouping and reconstruction of tone development. (Author/CB)

To avoid teaching only the sociocultural views and values of the dominant social class of a language group, second language teachers should include dialectal variation in the curriculum from the outset, exposing students to authentic language use and the views and values of non-dominant, ethnic minority, and other speakers. (MSE)

Suggests an alternative approach to the variable rule method of accounting for linguistic variability. This alternative approach, which is sensitive to social context and the relevance of meaning, is used to support an analysis of "-ing/in'" variability in some North American industrial workers' speech. (SED)

Presents a series of 10 true-false statements pertaining to dialect, then discusses the correct answers. (FL)

When educators lack the knowledge, understanding and acceptance of their students' language and culture, especially when it differs from their own, a huge mismatch can and often does occur between school and home. What happens to African American children who are raised speaking Black English but schooled in standard English? How do teachers help…

The text of an essay submitted to Western Electric in New York to accompany a disc recording entitled "The Dialect of the Black American," produced and recently released by their Community Relations Division. (JM)

Four sections discuss multicultural education in Scotland, i.e., historical background; cultural minorities (Gaels, Lowland Scots speakers, Irish, Asian, and others); minority needs within the educational system; and minorities, majorities, and the wider context. (AH)

Describes the experiences of an itinerant ESL/D resource teacher from the Peel Board (Canada) who has covered, over several years, a large number of K-8 and K-13 schools. Discusses problems encountered and offers guidelines for helping minority group students and establishing good relationships with school staffs. (MES)