A survey of student writing in every subject and grade in a Canadian secondary school involved 117 students over a nine-day period and investigated the amount of writing done in all subjects and the variety of purpose and audience in student writing. Results showed that each student produced an average of two written pieces per day, that one out…

The socio-economic, cultural and political situation in Europe necessitates a systematic and pedagogically sound promotion of bilingual education. Two prerequisites to this promotion are seen: (1) a political framework and support, and (2) a substructure for linguistic and pedagogical information and coordination. A proposal is presented to…

While English was supported as an official language in India during her pre-independence days, it was during the post-independence days that English bilingualism became widespread. The influence of English can be seen in higher education, elementary and secondary education, national institutions, in the press, and in broadcasting, publishing, and…

The Soviet Union (USSR) is an immense multinational and multilingual country. At the time of the Revolution (1917) there were 150 national languages spoken in the USSR and 180 recognized linguistic groups, however, 70% of the total population of the USSR was illiterate and the literacy rate of the Middle Asia varied from 1% to 5%. After 1917, mass…

Three questionnaires are offered as language planning aids. These instruments measure variables in language background, language behavior, and language policy, particularly in situations where two or more dialects of languages are used. The first questionnaire asks 60 questions designed to form a language background profile of an individual. The…

This paper provides a summary of the proceedings of a public lecture and a seminar conducted by William F. Mackey, on "Options for Language Promotion by Means of the Education System" and "Implications of Bilingualism," including the question and answer sessions. Part one, summarizing the lecture, discusses the role of the…

A significant linguistic shift in the United States is occurring in planned change in the language of sex roles, especially with reference to sexism in employment vocabulary and to gender-based distinctions in occupational designations. Social policy on labor utilization has become increasingly involved in neutering employment vocabulary regarding…

Bilingualism implies ability to use either of two languages without difficulty when necessary. Half a million Welshmen are in this position. Coordinate bilingualism, normally achieved through contact with two languages in early childhood, is perhaps the most desirable type of bilingualism. In compound bilingualism, one language continues to…

This is the second progress report on the Bilingual Education Program implemented in 1973 in the Northern Territory of Australia. As of December 1974 the program includes 11 schools and 10 aboriginal languages used as medium of instruction. The topics discussed include the following: the four types of bilingual programs seen as evolving, and the…

Using as a framework Ferguson's diglossia model with its division into a high and a low variety of the language used, the linguistic situation in the Sudan in described as a continuum. At one end is found the very formal classical Arabic, used for special occasions. At the other end is a casual form which dominates meetings and social gatherings…

The purpose of this book is "to familiarize the student of linguistics with the social context of speech, and to familiarize the student of society with language as a referent and dimension of social behavior." An attempt is made at a conceptual integration of the literature of sociolinguistics (with emphasis on work published in the 1960's) so…

The National University of Ireland has rejected a move to drop the Irish language requirement. This is in line with government policy, since 1913, to promote Gaelic as the main language, particularly through education. But surveys show a decline in the use of Irish in the schools. (SJL)

Discusses the English Language Amendment (ELA), a proposed constitutional amendment before Congress which states that English should be made the "official" language of the United States. Presents historical background and arguments for and against the ELA but urges opposition to the amendment. Profiles senators and congressmen sponsoring…

Because Yugoslavia is a multinational, culturally pluralistic, and multilingual society, one of its educational aims is to develop the motivation for the equal use of its languages, so that the languages of national minorities/nationalities become appropriate instruments for communication in public and social life and are not restricted to usage…

Considers the controversy over English or Kiswahili (the national language) as the language of instruction in Tanzania, discussing language use, language policy in the educational system, and prevailing language attitudes. Steps toward making Kiswahili as the language of instruction are suggested. (Author/CB)