This paper considers the declining use of Irish (Gaelic) as a language of instruction in both Ulster and the Republic of Ireland in this century. Policy statements are analyzed. Tables list percentages of primary and secondary schools conducted in Irish, English, or bilingual modes over the decades. (SJL)

Questions whether the expansion of English and other dominant languages, an intrinsic part of contemporary globalization, serves to encourage and promote other languages and cultures or the reverse. Argues that there is overwhelming evidence of linguicide, with speakers of "world languages" as active agents in the demise of other…

Part of Canada's Exemplary Schools Project, l'Ecole secondaire de Pain Court is a minority francophone secondary school in southwest Ontario with a linguistically and culturally diverse student population. Case study describes the development of solid school-community partnerships that have eased intergroup tensions and contributed to the social…

Discussion of language minorities and language maintenance focuses on three issues: the meaning of the terms "minority" and "maintenance" in this context; the centrality of group identity to most minority-language issues; and initial attempts to address minority issues in more cross-disciplinary and intellectually complete ways. A seven-item…

Revitalization of the Nishinaabeg language started in 1998 with the development of language materials. A committee on Nishinaabemwin orthography advised on the development of the text and writing system. Teaching methods follow the four parts of Medicine Wheel teachings: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. An interactive hockey game and a…

Mexican-descent families' language socialization experiences and the evolution of their bilingualism were examined through interviews with 63 third-graders and their parents of various immigrant generations and followup interviews with 38 families 4-7 years later. Interviews revealed extremely positive attitudes about English, Spanish,…

Describes the European Union's LINGUA program promoting foreign language competence as the result of political agenda-setting and European integration, finds it a form of language planning. Analyzes the five program priorities and attention given to promotion of the least widely used and taught languages, particularly in relation to English.…

Studies of Mexican American parents in East Austin (Texas) and rural southern Arizona found that parents' ethnolinguistic vitality was an important determinant of family transmission of Spanish to children, but parental experience of ethnic and language prejudice was an equally potent negative determinant. Implications for language maintenance,…

Reviews critical factors in successful language transmission and acquisition, factors responsible for language maintenance and renewal. Considers theoretical issues underlying communities' maintenance and renewal efforts and the reflection of those issues in practical goal-setting plans that outline desired plans that outline language maintenance…

Studies the case of a religious group of German immigrants, whose German-American descendants attended German-language parochial schools but received secular instruction in English. Although the situation resulted in English-dominant children rather than the intended German-dominant bilinguals, recent sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and…

Presents an overview of the contemporary struggle of American Indians to relearn their native languages. Examines the loss of native languages resulting from assimilationist policies at federal boarding schools; bilingual programs of the 1970s that emphasized writing, reading, and "survival" vocabulary; and recent tribal language programs…

Reviews salient historical events and selected factors that reveal views on bilingualism in the United States from precolonial times to the present. Identifies patterns of attitudes toward bilingualism, and summarizes factors associated with various patterns in an effort to understand current controversy over bilingualism. Contains 42 references.…

A change in philosophy concerning the maintenance of native languages has led to local efforts to revive the French language in the St. John Valley (Maine), including the formation of a community organization and implementation of language programs in which children in all grades receive daily instruction in French. (LP)

Describes the model of assimilation of native Mexican peoples to the broader mainstream. Bilingual education (BE), long used as a tool to facilitate language shift, is examined in the light of the superimposed discourse on national identity and nationalism. It is concluded that the demands of the Amerindians have been placated through the politics…

A response to an article on multiculturalism and the status of community languages in Australia argues that efforts to maintain any minority language within immigrant communities should be tempered by critical assessment of what is to be achieved, for whom, and why. The original article's author responds. (MSE)