Drawing on sociolinguistic research, points out that some patterns of socially appropriate language use in Indonesia actually involve Indonesian only to the extent that those interacting wish to maintain social distance, while regional languages are used to promote closer social ties. Suggests Indonesian programs require some rethinking in view of…

Examines Nigeria's language policies in terms of (1) the historical, sociolinguistic, political, educational, and ideological contexts in which they arose; (2) their impact on patterns of language choice and use in education and other aspects of life; and (3) their implications for the theory and practice of language planning. (51 references) (GLR)

The United States is the most monolingual of all developed countries. Unstated U.S. policies toward bilingualism and the teaching of foreign languages are detrimental in today's world. Having many citizens who are multilingual is beneficial for individuals and the country; the teaching of languages must be encouraged. (SM)

Discusses current research and issues concerning multilingual learners, and makes suggestions for school programs addressing bilingualism and multilingualism. (MM)

Analyzes the results of a study undertaken in Switzerland, which was designed to determine the degree of integration of non-Italian children in Italian-language nursery schools in the German part of Switzerland. Attempts to synthesize the ethnic and lingusitic elements of the study are made. (CFM)

Examines multilingual settings in Canada and Germany and explores the differentiation between second- and third-language acquisition as well as the differentiation between acquisition and learning. The article outlines priority areas for further research and presents the prospects for a greater recognition of multilingualism as a resource in…

Describes a program established in Los Angeles to introduce curbside recycling and automated trash collection to multilingual residents. Discusses a grass-roots community-based outreach strategy designed to change attitudes toward waste. (LZ)

Attitudes expressed by participants of a 1992 conference on the politics of multilingualism, particularly in the new European context, are summarized. Issues addressed include the role of French as a universal language, the concept of national identity, and the relationships between language and world view and between language and political…

The European Community is facing the dilemma of respecting and maintaining Europe's traditional national languages and cultures while facilitating communication. This objective can be met by expecting all citizens to speak in their native languages but understand several others, placing emphasis on comprehension in second-language instruction.…

An interview with Umberto Eco, novelist and linguist, addresses issues in international communication of the future, and particularly the role of Esperanto in a rapidly changing, culturally diverse world society. Topics discussed include translation, native language and multilingualism, and politics of language. (MSE)

Educational, economic/political, developmental perspectives form debate concerning use of minority languages for literacy. Grounds for dialogue among people who hold these perspectives can be found in establishing common set of questions to be asked in multilingual contexts. In wider context, appropriate question is how multilingual approach can…

Data indicate that the ability of Hungarian scientists to be heard beyond Hungary can be differentiated on the basis of their relative English proficiency. Additional data show that 40 years of required Russian study in Hungarian schools has not disseminated Russian through the Hungarian population. Implications for developing nations seeking…

A response to an argument that Canadian language policy prevents the self-defense of minority languages through exclusive territorial control (LaPonce, 1984) addresses the relative neglect of research concerning language and territoriality in the European context and contrasts the contemporary multilingual situations in Spain and Switzerland to…

Suggests actions for a long-term international program to preserve cultural diversity and multilingualism in the global information society, including: use of major languages for scientific communication; development of retrieval systems in the different national languages; development of computer translation systems; and teaching of the major…

Discusses the official system of trilingualism and the dual-language education system in Vanuatu, suggesting that these place enormous strains on Vanuatu's infrastructure. Appropriate multilingual development for the future requires that fundamental issues of constitutional interpretation and definition of language policy be resolved. (Author/VWL)