Problems associated with criterion-referenced language testing are discussed in the context of both standardized proficiency testing and classroom assessment. First, different interpretations of criterion-referencing are examined. A range of approaches for defining criteria and performance levels in second language assessment are outlined, and…

A selection of essays on foreign language planning at the national level contains articles on the language planning process, language choice, teacher education, testing and assessment, and transnational planning. Essays include the following: "Foreign Language Teaching Policy: Some Planning Issues" (Theo J. M. van Els); "Foreign…

There are approximately 170 indigenous languages spoken in Brazil, by a population of about 200,000. Language policy regarding these communities has not been well defined or explicit. Through several changes of constitution, only Portuguese has been considered the national and official language. Only recently has the government begun to develop a…

A review of the status of English language instruction in the Netherlands begins with an overview of the role of English in the society in general, and outlines the status of English use and instruction in the educational system at the secondary and postsecondary levels, the characteristics and training of English language instructors, the type…

A review of the status of English language instruction in Norway begins with an overview of the role of English in the society in general, and outlines the status of English use and instruction in the educational system at all levels (elementary, secondary, higher, adult, and teacher), the characteristics and training of English language…

Although the development of Kiswahili in Tanzania has had a number of stumbling blocks, it is slowly developing into a language of modern technology. Individual institutions have contributed greatly to its spread and promotion. More books are now published in Kiswahili than ever before, and scientific and technical terminology has been developed.…

A review of the status of English language instruction in Poland begins with an overview of the role of English in the society in general, and outlines the status of English use and instruction in the educational system at all levels (elementary, secondary, higher, adult, and teacher), the characteristics and training of English language…

An analysis of the status of English language use and instruction in Malawi begins with an overview of the role of English and percentage of individuals literate in English. Subsequent sections outline: (1) the role of English within the educational system at all levels, including primary, teacher, and adult education; (2) the present number and…

Evidence exists that, in the past, phonetic variants functioned as sociolinguistic variables, just as they do today, at least in societies with comparable stratificational patterns. This paper presents the significant details of the sociolinguistic environment within which the beginnings of the Great English Vowel Shift were embedded. An attempt…

This document consists of papers and group reports on multicultural education in Canada. Recurrent themes in the conference papers presented include: the concept of personal dignity as related to all aspects of multicultural education; the importance of language in maintaining cultural and ethnic identity; the problem of information overload in…

This report describes bilingual education programs in England that promote the Welsh and Gaelic languages. The section on Welsh includes discussions of: the history of the Welsh language, the Welsh books scheme to promote the availability of published materials in Welsh, the activities of the national language unit of Wales, external examinations,…

A second series of discussions of American civic issues in the light of European experience is summarized. The overall topics were: the third age of life as a resource in a community, health care, western Eurpoean communism, labor-management co-determination, language education, and the question of whether youth hostels should be subsidized in…

This profile in outline form of the English language teaching situation in the United Republic of Cameroon discusses the role of English within the society and within the educational system. Cameroon is an officially bilingual state consisting of five francophone provinces and two anglophone provinces. In the anglophone provinces, English is the…

The difference between "foreign language learning" and "second language learning" is not clear because writers do not agree on the criteria to be used in making the distinction. Moreover, there is a lack of empirical evidence to justify the use of the two terms. The purpose of this study is: (1) to review the various criteria…

This profile in outline form examines the English language teaching situation in Japan and the role of English in the Japanese educational system and society. The following are examined: (1) the growing role of English in business and science, and in Japan's image abroad; (2) the role of English in all levels of the Japanese educational system,…