This study focuses on the importance of epistemic markers in language socialization from the perspective of the second language classroom. The goal of the study is to more fully understand what second language learners must acquire to become competent members of the target language community. (28 references) (Author/CK)

Argues that two influential studies of multilingualism in India are misleading in that they claim India's situation is unique and cherish this uniqueness as a value. It is proposed instead that this sociolinguistic diversity is inherently conflict-producing and leads to loss of "weak" languages, similar to documented situations in other…

Language-spread policy (LSP) is policy promulgated by groups seeking to spread their languages to speakers or communicative domains. LSP can be internal or external, overt or disguised, and related in different ways to national policy. Intent may be to increase native-language advantage in international communication, disseminate ideology, create…

Discusses how American Sign Language does and does not resemble African American Vernacular English (Ebonics). The need for metalinguistic awareness in students is highlighted. Students are urged to learn Standard English, recognize and respect other languages they use, and know the link between language, status, and power. (CR)

Discusses two books, "Globalization and Language Teaching," by David Block and Deborah Cameron and "The Sociopolitics of English Language Teaching," edited by Joan Kelly Hall and William G. Eggington. (Author/VWL)

Raises questions about the a European Union commissioned report titled "Les Europeens et les langues," which was prepared in accordance with the customary routine used for a series of report on European public opinion. Issues discussed include the omission of several languages, the use of Esperanto, the languages reportedly used by…

Details the act of writing and publishing a literacy autobiography on the World Wide Web for an English course at a college located on a small island in the Bahamas. Notes that this activity gave geographically isolated writers an opportunity to consider the intricate powers of language and their space in the larger social and cultural influences…

Focuses on the growth in importance of English in China in terms of policy emphasis and in learners' experience. A historical account of six phases of foreign language education policy is provided, and survey statistics on the experience of different cohorts of learners from two backgrounds are presented: non-foreign language specialists and…

Phonological, syntactic, and morphological aspects of Danish are viewed as symbolic and representative of the geographic, geological, and meteorological "betweeness" or versatility of the country and its culture. (MSE)

Central concerns in the movement to make English the official language of the United States are reviewed, publications and activities of two major organizations supporting it are compared, and basic assumptions and directions of the movement are criticized. (21 references) (MSE)

Examines the place of Arabic in language education and language planning activities in Nigeria, highlighting its uses from the nineteenth century to present, methods and content of Arabic education, contributions to historical documentation in pre-colonial Nigeria and lexical expansion of Nigerian languages, and decline in its status and role. (34…

Focuses on: (1) principles that underlie regulation of distress and negative emotions among infants and young children; and (2) developmental trends that occur during the first years of life. Discusses the role of caregivers. Offers ideas that lend themselves to hypothesis testing and empirical validation. (RH)

Attempts to consider all of the relevant aspects of the role of the Maori culture and language in developing New Zealand's language policy. Those aspects considered include national identity, cultural bias, and international communication needs. (Author/CB)

Argues that recent work on the relationship between language and ideology conducted within the framework of critical pedagogy, and work on the relationship between language and social identity, should serve as a basis for both increasing teachers' awareness of language and for revamping teacher preparation curricula. (RAE)

Presents an episode in which a conflict arose as sixth-grade students attempted to create nonstandard units of measurement. Discusses the conflicting requirements of language and symbol use in mathematical communication in the activity. (MKR)