Three inter-related assumptions regarding best practice in second/foreign language teaching and bilingual/immersion education continue to dominate classroom instruction. These assumptions are that: (a) the target language (TL) should be used exclusively for instructional purposes without recourse to students' first language (L1); (b) translation…

This article considers how 3 fundamental concepts of second language acquisition (SLA), the native speaker, interlanguage, and the language learner have fared since Firth and Wagner (1997). We review the ascendancy of these concepts and their relationship to the traditional dichotomies of language learning versus language use and individual mind…

In "The English Only Restaurant," Martinez Palau presents a number of Latino characters who, seduced by the economic promises of assimilation, attempt to suppress their linguistic and cultural identities in order to run a business the "American way." As befits a sociopolitical satire, the play on the one hand consciously…

This guide for principals on how to be multiculturally sensitive is based on 223 responses to a Multicultural Sensitivity Survey mailed to principals across Pennsylvania in July 1989. There are numerous ways this guide can be used: (1) network to gain information; (2) network to offer information; (3) increase awareness with assemblies; and (4)…

Romania is a country with a good number of linguistic minorities. Descriptive linguistic data include the number and kinds of languages spoken in what areas and by how many people and their attitudes toward the languages. Models and typologies of language planning are presented to discern their appropriateness. (SCC)

A number of observations are made of deviations from standard Italian made by students, both of Italian and non-Italian origin, in the Victorian H.S.C. examinations, with discussion of probable English, French and Italian dialectal influences. (RM)

Intended to help teachers of English, language arts, and other subjects interpret "English Only" language issues for students, parents, and school communities, this book addresses various aspects of the controversy. Articles, listed with their authors, are as follows: (1) "The Roots of Language Protectionism" (Harvey A.…

Two parties of different native languages communicate via a third of which neither is a fluent speaker. Lingua franca talk is discussed under four aspects: entrance considerations, non-comprehension problems, speaker frustration, and increasing entropy. Devices for achieving strategies in multilingual settings are discussed. Available from…

The author surveys the problems of bilingual and bicultural tensions in Canada, Cyprus, Switzerland, Italy, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Classification of bilingualism is proposed to show: two official languages; semi-official and official languages; unofficial and official languages; official and national languages. Examples of national…

Within the framework of modern language teaching objectives, an inventory is presented of various socio-cultural activities in which written communication plays a key role. Writing is typed according to the situation. The status of written language is assessed from the aspect of multilingualism and of diglossia. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Addresses the impact of Australia's National Policy on Languages and on multicultural programs through the 1990s. Traces key themes and phases in Australian multiculturalism applied to education, highlighting the role of language issues in each phase. Concludes that, although multiculturalism is not synonymous with multilingualism, language issues…

Andean society is polarized into two key segments: the national Spanish-speaking culture and the native Quechua-speaking culture. Each group ignores or reconstructs history in order to perpetuate its deep-seated prejudices. A group called "The Shining Path" is trying to transform both cultures through violent revolution. (RM)

Discusses the usage of French in Gabon. As in other nations of francophone Africa, French is the language of upward social mobility in Gabon, and it offers access to the international community. However, one factor peculiar to Gabon is the virtual absence of a Gabonese national language, which promotes a greater dependency upon a mastery of the…

This paper asserts that fostering pacific cohabitation, harmonious multiculturalism, and sustainable development are the main challenges facing the regions of Russia today. It notes the importance of involving Russian linguistic and cultural minorities in the formulation, adoption, application, and evaluation of protection policies, as well as…

The six community countries that compose the European Coal and Steel Community schools offer several unique features among which is the teaching of history and geography without a regional emphasis, while the curriculum is built around a European rather than a national point of view. (Author/JN)